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The Honor Code at Haverford creates an environment of deep trust, respect, and collegiality between professors and students which, in turn, fosters open dialogue and free intellectual exchange. Talk about the conditions you think are essential to allowing this type of dialogue and exchange in both academic and non-academic settings.
One is Muslim, another is Christian, the next is Buddhist and one is Hindu. One is from Israel, the next from Palestine, one is from Ghana, another from Peru, and one from Bhutan. One grew up on the street, the next in a palace. One is a single-child, one has twenty siblings. One wears a sari, one a hip-hop outfit. One is conservative, the next is liberal, and one is in between ... that is who I am surrounded by 24/7.
Living in a school that consists of two hundred students, headed from ninety different countries my community is a cultural mix of beliefs, values and opinions. Sometimes when I catch a quiet moment in the middle of the day, I look around and think about how it is possible that despite all our differences we all live together, forming the most trusting, respectful and caring community I have ever lived in. It seems crazy, and it is. Wonderful- crazy.
There is one thing that I believe has not just shaped my own community a great deal but is absolute essential for creating any respectful, thought- provoking learning environment. That one thing is nothing else but simply willingness.
It is the willingness to sit down and listen. The willingness to compromise and the willingness to accept differences. I do not agree with people in favor of the death penalty, but it is my and the other's willingness to discuss each others points, that can turn a conflict into a learning experience, providing new perspectives.
It is the willingness to admit own mistakes and to work on them. One of my classmates that I value highly stole regularly. Growing up an in a poor environment and struggling to survive, stealing had always been a part of his life. It was his willingness to admit his fault, and my communities' willingness not just to accept his apologies but to discuss how one is influence by his/her background, that maintained a trusting relationship between community members.
At Haverford this willingness to change to the better would not only include the reflection on mistakes made but also the adjusting of the honor code to the needs of current students.
It is the willingness to share and the awareness of others. If living together in a dorm or just sharing a class, different personalities have different needs one has to be aware of in order to create an environment comfortable for everyone. Having written my Extended Essay - a 4000 word essay, required by the IB- about miscommunication in the classroom in an international setting, I found that overcoming miscommunication can be educational itself, but just in a setting where there is awareness of cultural and personal differences.
It is the willingness to take on the challenge to create a caring, respectful and inspiring community.
I am willing.
The Honor Code at Haverford creates an environment of deep trust, respect, and collegiality between professors and students which, in turn, fosters open dialogue and free intellectual exchange. Talk about the conditions you think are essential to allowing this type of dialogue and exchange in both academic and non-academic settings.
One is Muslim, another is Christian, the next is Buddhist and one is Hindu. One is from Israel, the next from Palestine, one is from Ghana, another from Peru, and one from Bhutan. One grew up on the street, the next in a palace. One is a single-child, one has twenty siblings. One wears a sari, one a hip-hop outfit. One is conservative, the next is liberal, and one is in between ... that is who I am surrounded by 24/7.
Living in a school that consists of two hundred students, headed from ninety different countries my community is a cultural mix of beliefs, values and opinions. Sometimes when I catch a quiet moment in the middle of the day, I look around and think about how it is possible that despite all our differences we all live together, forming the most trusting, respectful and caring community I have ever lived in. It seems crazy, and it is. Wonderful- crazy.
There is one thing that I believe has not just shaped my own community a great deal but is absolute essential for creating any respectful, thought- provoking learning environment. That one thing is nothing else but simply willingness.
It is the willingness to sit down and listen. The willingness to compromise and the willingness to accept differences. I do not agree with people in favor of the death penalty, but it is my and the other's willingness to discuss each others points, that can turn a conflict into a learning experience, providing new perspectives.
It is the willingness to admit own mistakes and to work on them. One of my classmates that I value highly stole regularly. Growing up an in a poor environment and struggling to survive, stealing had always been a part of his life. It was his willingness to admit his fault, and my communities' willingness not just to accept his apologies but to discuss how one is influence by his/her background, that maintained a trusting relationship between community members.
At Haverford this willingness to change to the better would not only include the reflection on mistakes made but also the adjusting of the honor code to the needs of current students.
It is the willingness to share and the awareness of others. If living together in a dorm or just sharing a class, different personalities have different needs one has to be aware of in order to create an environment comfortable for everyone. Having written my Extended Essay - a 4000 word essay, required by the IB- about miscommunication in the classroom in an international setting, I found that overcoming miscommunication can be educational itself, but just in a setting where there is awareness of cultural and personal differences.
It is the willingness to take on the challenge to create a caring, respectful and inspiring community.
I am willing.
