Marissa Gourd '24 RGLP Reflection: Culture in Daily Life

Growing up, I have been fortunate enough to have a family that has practiced Native American culture and values. Because of this, specific values and practices are engrained in my daily life. I haven't had to worry about practicing my culture and spirituality at Dartmouth because of the friend groups and community that supports me. I feel comfortable enough to express that part of me.

I feel a sense of comfort when I see others practicing their culture. I love to ask questions and learn more about it. During the program, I loved the two activities that forced us to be vulnerable and share who we are and what has shaped us to be like this. Hearing my peers' experiences and how they've grown up made me feel closer to them. It made me want to go out of my comfort zone and try to create relationships with people with who I don't usually interact with. Cross-cultural experiences like this force us to be more self-aware and self-reflective.

It is essential to be more aware of others and your actions because it can help in many aspects of your life. Tolerating ambiguity in the workplace can significantly improve how we collaborate with others. It opens opportunities to adapt to and learn others' styles in the workplace. Production increases when employees are tolerant of each other and try to collaborate.