The First Day
I didn’t know what to expect when I boarded the bus what seems like was days ago. Everyone immediately began talking and getting to know each other, which made me feel much more at home and comfortable in a setting I was first unsure in due to not knowing anyone going on the trip. I was surprised to find a number of students on the trip who were from the Winston-Salem area, something I feel is rare due to the very few students from my high school and other surrounding schools who typically choose to come to Wake. It was easy to find commonalities among everyone I talked to, and I was excited with how open and friendly all the students and staff were with each other.
I actually had a really good time on the bus ride, and didn’t even seem to notice that we were stuck in the Atlanta area for a good two hours due to traffic. I enjoyed the class time we had as it was done in a way in which we intertwined the articles, our own opinions and perspectives, and also continued to learn more about where each person was from and the environment they grew up in. This informal class format is a nice change of pace from some of the more rigid structures I had the past semester. One reason I feel this course is so valuable is the ability for students, teachers, and faculty to relate outside of the classroom and actually get to know each other, something there is not always time for in a class during the regular school year. It helps for all of us to see that we are all human and can enjoy many of the same activities despite our differences in age, race, sex, etc. I feel this class will really help to open everyone to get more of a perspective of possible prejudices and injustices others face that they may never have thought of, and what implications that may have on each other’s lives and interactions.
I was pleasantly surprised that all of our food choices, even ones that were quick while on the road to another destinaton, like the Varsity, all were chosen to represent the community we were in, rather than going to a national chain. One thing I have always thoroughly enjoyed when traveling is experiencing the food that the locals eat; it has always been my method of choice to kind of discover another’s culture. So I very much enjoyed going to Fried Green Tomatoes, a movie I have loved for many years, and the Varsity as well.
In reflection tonight, it is clear that many of us are anxious as to racism and prejudice we might encounter as we progress on the trip. I am very interested to see how this may or may not manifest itself in our group dynamic. One reason I wanted to go on this trip is to try to gain a better perspective, because I will never be able to first hand feel, what discrimination towards African Americans will ever really feel like. But I truly want to comprehend this and get a grip on it as much as possible. I feel it is important for everyone to try to put themselves in someone of another class, race, or sex’s place in order to try to empathize with the challenges they face. This is one of the best ways we can end the segregation, discrimination, and exploitation present in society today. I think this group already has meshed together very well, and I look forward to the experiences we will share that undoubtedly will bring us all very close together.