University Honors Program
Experiential Learning Reflective Essay- Global Studies
Basic
Full Name: April McPherson
UC Email: mcpheral@mail.uc.edu
College: College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Title of Project: Discovering Long Island, New York
Thematic Area: Global Studies
Project Start Date: January 2015
Project End Date: August 2015
Information
Part 1
This experience was completed during my eight month co-op rotation in Long Island, New York.
Due to my experiences last summer in Long Island, I saw the potential for an opportunity to explore the
area’s history to gain a better understanding of present-day society and culture. Thus, for this
experience, I researched the history of Long Island, dating back to the Indians before the European
settlers arrived, to gain a broad base of knowledge. From this broad history knowledge, I noted several
different topics of special interest that I chose to delve further into. Specifically, for each topic, I spent
additional time researching the history, determining how the past has influenced present day society,
and, if applicable, I noted any stereotypes or misconceptions about the topic. Then, I found a unique
event, activity, or location that pertained to that topic to go personally experience. Afterwards, I
recollected my experiences on a blog and compared my expectations based on the literature research I
had completed to what I actually experienced. The most significant part of this experience was having a
much greater appreciation of how each place I visited had come to be. As opposed to simply visiting a
place just to visit, having the knowledge and awareness of its importance and how it came to be allowed
me to have a much greater appreciation and understanding, as well as to look at various details and
aspects more closely. This experience met my expectation that I would be able to put to rest several
misconceptions about Long Island society and culture to my friends, family, and coworkers based on
presenting historical framework concomitant with present day personal experiences, to show that what
the media and popular culture tend to highlight are not always the entire story. The only reason this
experience differed from my expectation was that each topic took more time than I had anticipated,
because I became so intrigued by the history and background research that, in the beginning, I found
myself keeping a narrow scope of focus on similar topics. Therefore, if I could teach myself one thing, or
redo an aspect, I would suggest to myself to not just spend time on the things that initially captivated
my interest, but keep an open mind and continue to find new topics as well.
The first learning goal identified in the proposal that I have made progress towards through this
experience is possessing global literacy, including knowledge of geography, history, current world issues,
and similarities and differences among cultures. This experience helped develop my global literacy,
more than any previous experience. This hands-on, independent project allowed me to pursue and
enhance my knowledge on issues that caught my interest. For example, the Gatsby-era particularly
fascinated me. This topic has social and geographic implications as well as a rich historical influence.
Moreover, the era has many present-day artifacts remaining that provided several attractions to visit
and personally experience. On the other hand, I learned about the many cultures and heritages that
have settled in Long Island over time, such as Italians and Hispanics. Having the knowledge of how,
when, and why these particular groups of people moved to Long Island permitted me to have greater
respect and appreciation for where these cultures came from, and how they influence Long Island
society today.
The second identified learning outcome was interact with individuals from different cultures and
express a sensitivity, appreciation, and respect for the complex range of experiences of diverse peoples.
Due to the nature of this experience, progress to this learning outcome was inherent and almost
guaranteed. Every single activity involved interacting with individuals of a diverse background, whether
the diversity was of culture and nationality or of education, age, and experiences. For example, at the
Belmont Stakes, I interacted with a wide variety of individuals who were all there with one common
hope: to witness a historical Triple Crown. People standing to my one side were young businessmen
from Jersey, whereas the people we spoke with standing in front of us were an elderly couple from
down South. This particular event provided the easiest interaction with individuals from diverse
cultures, because of the nature of the event itself bringing so many people together. However, other
events and activities also required interactions, appreciation, and respect for other people. For example,
the tour guide at the American Airpower Museum was an Army veteran, and recounted several stories
from his service years. Appreciating his contributions to our country’s freedom and respecting his
memories were necessary after hearing of his sacrifices.
Part 2
For each unique experience within this project, I relied on a variety of readings and material to
gain background knowledge on the history, the present-day state, and the portrayals in popular culture.
I gathered information from sources including associated organizations, historical societies, or specific
companies associated with the topic. For example, for the topic of aviation in Long Island, I relied on the
Cradle of Aviation and American Airpower Museums’ websites, as well as outside articles recounting the
aviation influence on Long Island throughout history. For some topics, journal publications provided
sound material to contribute to my learning of the topic. To find events, activities, or locations to visit, I
most frequently relied on the Long Island Convention and Visitors Bureau website as a starting
destination. For the reflection piece of the project, I tried to take an ethnographic perspective. I learned
about ethnography and the associated skills in “A Simple Introduction to the Practice of Ethnography
and Guide to Ethnographic Fieldnotes” (2014) by Dr. Brian Hoey. This guide was especially helpful since
the scope of this project was unique in that it was a social science project, whereas I am accustomed to
traditional science and engineering projects/writing styles.
In light of the uncertainty my future holds with impending graduation in the spring, the new
skills and concepts I obtained from this experience will be useful when making many decisions. With the
option of graduate school or pursuing a job in industry, I do not know where I will be living. However,
this project has cemented the notion that I do desire to move somewhere “new” so that I have the
opportunity to see what other areas of this country (and maybe even world, someday) have to offer.
The uncertainty of moving to new places can be mitigated by applying the principals from this project,
such as simply doing some background research and finding out about the exciting events and places
nearby. And furthermore, my perception and appreciation of an area can be improved by finding
activities that have a meaningful influence on a society or culture.
Part 3
Applying the skills and concepts I have learned from this experience and integrating them into
my life have already begun. Although I may not specifically ever commit to a defined ethnographic
project in my future, the skills I developed will be essential in the future if I continue to live in places my
friends and family may not be familiar with. Specifically, the careful observation skills and the ability to
report experiences to others in such a way they can capture the essence of the event or activity without
actually being there are useful. With this experience, I was able to reminisce on past experiences I have
had and try to determine how those may have been different if I had a different outlook or perspective
at the time. As opposed to ignorantly going to different places and events, I have come to realize that
even having just a brief summary of the history and influences greatly improves the appreciation and
experience of something. Throughout the entire project, I have shared my blog with friends, family, and
coworkers, from whom I have received great feedback, both about my actual experiences as well as the
content of my reflections. My friends and family back home were able to learn about the history of Long
Island, and more specifically about the places and events I visited. Only three of my coworkers were
originally from New York, the rest have moved to Long Island within the last year. With my project, my
coworkers were able to gain a better understanding and appreciation for the new culture and society of
which we were immersed. Many even were excited to go and see some of the sights and events that I
had already experienced, based on my recounts and reflections of these attractions. Because I was
sharing this experience with these two specific audiences, I focused on developing an objective
perspective, as to not create misconceptions or align with pre-existing stereotypes from popular culture.
Further, from sharing these experiences with others, I noticed myself reflecting upon certain points
more carefully and in-depth, which enhanced my personal learning to an even greater degree. If I were
to engage in this experience again, time permitting, the only thing I would do different is do even more
activities than I did this time! My advice to somebody completing a similar experience is to be openminded, find activities and events that may not normally interest you, and try to find unique experiences
that you might not be able to do elsewhere.