Before going to Italy, my decision to learn Italian was straightforward. I thought it was a beautiful language, and I assumed it would be relatively easy to learn. I was drawn to how it sounded and the culture connected to it, but at the time, I did not fully understand how much of it would …
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Looking Both Ways
One of the most meaningful parts of my study abroad experience in Bologna was my opportunity to volunteer at a local elementary school. I would go into the 2nd grade classroom once a week and give the students a lesson in English. During one of my visits, I led a lesson about American schools. I …
About Me!
My name is Aleyna Gungor. I grew up in a small beach town on Long Island. I am a government and history double major. My mom is from Medellin, Colombia and my dad is from Izmir, Turkey. I can speak three languages fluently (English, Spanish, and Turkish) and I am learning Italian at Wesleyan.
Cultural Symbol
The evil eye has had a strong cultural impact on my life. In Turkish culture, the evil eye is seen as a type of curse or negative energy that someone who is most likely jealous of you puts on you. The widely known blue eye is a charm that protects you from this negative energy. …
Intercultural Praxis
As a first-generation U.S. citizen with Turkish and Colombian roots, the “Intercultural Praxis” approach resonates with me deeply because it captures the complex, lived experience of navigating multiple cultural frameworks. One aspect of more traditional intercultural models, such as Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, is the focus on classifying cultures along lines like individualism vs. collectivism and …
Reflecting On “Find me Unafraid” by Jessica Posner and Kennedy Odede
Reflecting on the growing violence in Kibera as described in “Find Me Unafraid”, I felt an intense emotional connection, seeing parallels with the struggles in Colombia and Turkey. Both countries have experienced cycles of political violence, instability, and corruption that often target marginalized communities, leaving them vulnerable and voiceless. The challenges Jessica and Kennedy face …
