A reflection of my own experience of culture and identity in relation to education

Culture influences our lives by shaping the way we think and behave. An individual’s way of life is greatly impact by their culture. Culture helps construct people’s norms, values and belief. My experience of culture and identity was influenced by my national origin. It has impact on my experience of culture and identity as it constructs my customs, tradition and beliefs.  However, the experience of migrant and attending school in Australia also affect my culture and identity. 

I was born in China and migrant to Australia when I was 17. I have been put into Chester Hill Intensive English Centre. After I finished English language course, I attend Chester Hill high school, which is next to Intensive English Centre. When I just arrived in Australia, I feel isolated because I am not familiar with this country. The school provides me a warm and nurturing environment and help me settle in Australia.  One thing I appreciate most is they welcome every culture with open arms. As Moran proposed, “Multiculturalism does not entail a rejection of Australian values, customs and beliefs. Rather, it entailed the recognition that ' any such common core evolves and changes over time' and is thus open to change from internal and external influences.” Chester Hill High School believes that multiculturalism brings a richness and diversity to Australian culture and contributes to a distinctive Australian culture.  

According to National Agenda, “cultural identity is one of the three main dimensions of multicultural policy. The rights of all Australians, within carefully defined limits, to express and share their individual cultural heritage, include their language and religion.” Chester Hill High School holds an annual Flag Day for students from different country to express and share their cultural heritage. Students from the different background were provided an opportunity to present their culture. I was a Flag bearer represents China in 2010 Flag Day ceremony. I absolutely love it and participated in Flag Day every year since I was in this school. Flag Day is one of my favourite days of the year at Chester hill high school. Being able represent my country and seen other cultural performance is an amazing experience. By share our cultural heritage, I recognise the uniqueness of other culture and respect other culture. Based on my experience, I believe that understand and respect other culture's values are the key for acceptance of different culture. 

In conclusion, attending school and institution lead to constant interaction with people who have different cultural heritage. This experience of cultural interaction makes me more aware about other people’s culture and also changed my cultural identity. I believe this change of cultural identity will enrich my experience of culture and make me a better person.

Reference:

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2011/06/25/sydney-school-embraces-refugees

Moran, A. (2011). Multiculturalism as nation-building in Australia: Inclusive national identity and the embrace of diversity. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 34(12), 2153-2172.