Week 1: Nations and Migration

Icebreaker: France of Reference Exercise

We got into groups of 2-3 people. The purpose of the icebreaker was to start identifying and articulating our frames/lenses and considering other people. We spent a few minutes thinking about our frames with a few dimensions to consider. For example, how have our lenses shape how I view of myself and others? What might my lenses lead me not to notice as well as what to notice? And how might my lens shape my expectations in life, and what I do or don't take for granted?

I talked about how I was the first one in my family to go to college. Coming from a low-income household, it was hard to picture myself going to college because I lacked the resources that my peers had. Because of this, I had to work harder in school because I did not have anyone to guide me through applying to college. This also put more pressure for me.

Another topic I talked about was my gender. As the only girl in my household, I am responsible for helping my mom cook and clean. My family relied on me for those tasks. Gradually, I was able to get the men to share my responsibilities because I did not think it was fair to split up the work based on gender.

I also talked about my race and ethnicity. There were times when people assumed what my ethnicity was. By assuming, they spoke the language they thought is my native tongue. This made me feel annoyed because they assumed that all Asians have the same dialect and languages.