HD 489: Reflection on Life Experience

Specialization Class Reflection

Professor Castellanos was not wrong when she said this would possibly be the hardest
class we would ever take. I was scared, but not just for the insane amount of papers I would be
writing, but scared to relive all the experiences that have shaped me into what I have become
-- some happy, some painful, and some more painful than others.
HD 489 Reflection of Life Experience was in fact the hardest class I have yet to take, and
reflecting upon I again makes me feel uneasy. During this class I had to rip open my healing
emotional wounds, I did not want to re-open issues that were necessary for my Reflection of Life
Experience class. The material was to be written, confronted and forgotten. Going back, reading
it, editing, and putting available for others makes me feel vulnerable once again.
As I conducted a reflective study of my personal lifespan I concluded that one develops
through life experiences and grows through reflection, acceptance, and understanding of
ourselves and others as well as reflecting upon, accepting, and understanding the experiences
endured. Our experiences shape us, guide us, and move us based on our personality,
temperament, strengths and weaknesses. Because we are such unique creatures, our experiences
will affect each of us differently, and because our natural instinct is survival, our coping
mechanisms will also differ.
A diversity theory paper was one of our assignments. In this paper I touched on three key
experiences that concern diversity issues pertaining to institutional oppression. I reflected on
experiences from my childhood, adolescence and adulthood years and discuss how gender and
religion played a big role in shaping my development. As a woman, I have lived first-hand

through experiences of inequality, inferiority, discrimination, harassment and oppression. These

have shaped my persona and have left me with a bitter aftertaste of resentment, anger,
humiliation, and frustration.
As I conducted my reflective study fieldwork assignment, and reflected on those
experiences, I have learned that it doesnt take much for me to stand up for others, especially
when it involves the rights of children. I have learned that I dont easily stand by unethical
behaviors and prejudices when it comes to gender equality. It is clear to me that communication,
leadership, and the morality instilled in me have empowered my developmental process in
regards to problem solving skills. I have developed in such way that I value standing up for what
I believe is right, fair, and just.
These three papers, along with a research project and supporting evidences, were finally
presented in a portfolio. At the semesters end, after presenting our work, a mock graduation
was prepared by a cohort peer and myself to complete the process of sharing the difficult stories
we each presented. In this mock graduation we honored having conquered our fears and the fact
of our resiliency. This class was not only the beginning of our educational journey, it served as a
strong foundation for new cohort friendships.
Through all the experience and knowledge obtained at Pacific Oaks I have realized that
those issues that once consumed me, issues of discrimination and oppression, have shaped the
person I have become. I have come to realize that everyone has a story, and that happiness is not
living a perfect life, but recognizing that life is worth living despite our misfortunes and troubles.