Mandhir Singh Sambhi

Post-Class Discussion 5 - July 26, 2018

After seeing two other groups present on the same curriculum culture of

Developing Self and Spirit, I was expecting that this third group, “The H Group”, may not

have too much new to add to the topic. But I was pleasantly surprised to see that this

group manifested their interpretation of the curriculum culture in a very personal and

authentic way, one that resonated with me to a meaningful depth. Their choice to

demonstrate individual challenges at separate stations was a unique approach.

Although it seemed like a simple attempt to showcase personal achievement, the

presentation styles and content were genuine and elegant with a very down-to-earth

feeling. One of the biggest qualities of these presentations were that all group members

made themselves very vulnerable by sharing their stories. Though Catherine, Bob,

Henry and Pamela chronicled their journey very well, I found Kim and Megan’s

willingness to share their struggles the most powerful of all. Kim was very brave in

demonstrate the effort he put into his goal to achieve a healthier lifestyle so that he can

physically get into shape and all the challenges he faced during his 4 week challenge. I

found the transparency in his presentation very touching. It was also a bit amusing since

he used popular memes and cartoons to depict his emotional state. After he completed

his demonstration, I was inspired by Kim’s willingness to take feedback and suggestions

on fitness from the audience. His dedication to pursue his fitness goals lay beyond just

this project, and it showed itself through his discussions.

Megan’s journey in learning a new language was one that I was not expecting

would take the audience as deep as it went. I was beginning to tire from standing the

past hour, but I wanted to continue listening to Megan as she elaborated all the
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development and regression experienced while pursuing to learn a foreign language

with little or no professional guidance. Where she discovered her own learning styles

and emerging patterns in challenges and hurdles, I also felt those experiences

resonating for myself. The progress in learning may be hindered by multiple factors,

factors that an individual may not even be aware of. The lack of success or summative

growth may be discouraging, but I realized that discovering those challenges and

incrementally resolving them is important to continue growing. Megan found that she

studied best on days that already ran on Perhaps, by seeing the graphic of her

progress, I was making mental images of my own pursuit in learning something new,

something challenging, something that I felt was important to achieve.

Compared to the day “The Gardeners” presented, I cannot say I am sure about

all that Discovering Self and Spirit encompasses, but I was astonished to see such a

variety in representation of the same topic. “The Gardeners” brought focus onto

creativity and spontaneous expression of self, the second group “Self and Spirit”

expanded that concept in a direction influenced by social reconstruction ideologies --

founded in the same premise, but a different expression. “The H Group”’s decision to

take an inward approach is different, because it sits on a lot more deliberation, and less

unplanned action. Since I connected most with this last interpretation, I discovered my

own tendencies and preferences sway more towards reflection and deliberation too. If I

am to express myself spontaneously, I need to not care for the consequences; but I find

myself often being very cautious in the society (ie. school) where every move, every

action, every decision could potentially result in something I either didn’t expect or did

not want. Maybe that’s why I wasn’t satisfied with my performance in the past few
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classes. Discovering this characteristic about my self and spirit has given me something

to develop myself in. “The H Group” showed me that whereas expressing my

individuality distinguishes me from others, it also gives others something to relate with

me and better connect with me. So perhaps I shouldn’t be so hesitant to be myself. The

subjects that this group chose to tackle (ie. bedtime habits, food and diet, exercise,

organization and diligence) provided me valuable insight and motivation to begin acting

upon my own goals. I’ve been inspired to challenge myself to improve in at least one

attribute over the next month while I’m on holidays. But this progress will have to wait

until after this semester ends! Until then, I’ll need to continue soldiering through my

assignments and meeting important deadlines to the best of my abilities.