Erica's Portfolio

 Life History Interview Reflection

In dance, one of the assignments was to interview someone from another country about their life history up to their lives today.  I decided to interview a friend of mine who originates from one of the many tribes in Southeast Somalia by the name of Bavanese or Barawani.  During the interviewing process, he discussed many experiences in his country.  One that caught my attention was the comparison he made about himself as a child when he was a young boy in Africa who did not have toys and his son, as well as other children.  For entertainment, he would roll a tire from a bike with a stick- this was the greatest amusement for children in the villages.  Today, many kids obtain enough toys to share with villages full of children- this thought hit home for me.  Connecting with my personal childhood and my life today as I work with children and communities who do not have many things like toys- such items are luxuries for many around the world while others take advantage of such materials.  I have always thought of things like this that take place around the world, but never have I thought about a simple item such as a toy.  I have realized that the only way I will know more about situations around the world is if I throw myself out into it, whether I experience or observe for myself, or connect with those who have been through it.  During the interview, he also discussed differences of acceptance in others who have different views, beliefs, rituals, etc. and compared Africa to the United States.  My assumptions were challenged when he informed me that although the majority of people in his county are Muslim, they are accepting of all other religions and people as long as they believe in something.  Most of the time, we assume how a person may be, based solely on looks which obviously deprives us of possibly learning a valuable lesson in life.