Personal Narrative: My African-American Experience

“Wow! I did not know there were black Americans”. During the month I was in China, I heard this or a variant of it jokily said to me numerous times. I never took offense to it since I understood most of the media from America that came to China featured individuals who did not look like me. Furthermore, for those Americans who had come to China, they were mostly white and had come for business. While in China, I was able to share my experience as an African-American; I always found enjoyment sharing my experiences and it seemed to me those around me found enjoyment learning about a different side of America. With me sharing my experiences, they were being able to understand the diverse nature of the United States.
As far as the CLS program
and group I will study with, I believe the lessons I have learned and the experiences I have gain from my upbringing can be beneficial and unique. I have lived in several states including Tennessee, Washington, California, and North Carolina each state with contrasting demographics. I have learned a lot from the diverse groups of people I have encountered. Chiefly, it has provided me greater personal development by broadening my perspectives and increasing my knowledge of the world -- knowledge and experience I would like to share with others. Furthermore, I believe my background as a first generation African can bring in a unique perspective to the group. One reason is I may be able to better relate with certain individuals we interact with as a group. For instance, while in China one of our host stated he belonged to a Chinese minority ethnic groups, the Uygur, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group. Coming from a nation with a large Muslim population, I was already aware of certain customs and could better relate to him. I was able to serve as the bridge for my group by clarifying any possible cultural misunderstandings.