Day 5 -- Understanding Differences

Florence Poon 3L (27)

Out of all the amazing events today, I think I have reaped the most from the Powwow Dance section. The two teachers, Sandy and Christen, are extremely passionate. Their firm and positive attitude towards their ethnic origin is inspiring, which made me reflect on my own nation. Sandy mentioned how every nation has its own story and significance, which is certainly crucial in understanding leadership.

The differences between cultures often lead to misunderstanding between people, but we have to understand that every nation has her very own wisdom and intelligence deeply rooted in her people. Leadership is not about putting everyone in a frame, but rather, it is creating an environment in which diversity and harmony coexist in an appreciative atmosphere. Leadership is not about forcing beliefs upon others; it is the spirit for individuals to share knowledge. The dance section is very relatable to leadership, and the lessons enabled me to contemplate on the meaning of leadership more.

Nicole Yiu 3U (37):

Today we learnt about understanding differences. Whether it is me, my group mates or our counsellors, we are all different. Diversity is essential to the survival of our species as it ensures that other people can make up for our weaknesses and we can make up for theirs, so that we can rise to the occasion together. A group of people, or even society at large could not thrive if everyone were the same.

We played a game called BARNGA, which symbolizes how people of different cultures have difficulties integrating into groups of other cultures. However, since we were not told that the opposing group was playing a different game entirely, it led to quite a lot of confusion on both sides. However, despite our differences, people of different cultures can still work together and be friends.

In the evening, two North American First Nations dancers came to Brescia and shared their knowledge on their traditional culture and values. They also taught us the basics of POWWOW dance, a traditional dance of their tribes. After showing us the movements, we all set aside our differences and danced together in a circle.

Kate Liu 3A (24)

We started off our day with a Kangoo jump lesson. Although bouncing around in our Kangoo jump boots was excruciatingly draining, it was rewarding as it gave us a renewed sense of enthusiasm for the rest of the day.

In the afternoon, we headed to the Fanshawe Pioneer Village where we learned about the village's long history and enduring legacy—from feeding chickens to using printing presses, we got to appreciate how far we've improved as human beings. I personally can't believe that it used to take a whole day to finish stamping one newspaper article as the technology is so advanced nowadays that we can literally print millions of words in one second. No wonder they only published weekly newspapers back then!

Then, we listened to some members of the North America First Nations tribe talking about their culture and traditions. I've never seen clothing more captivating and appealing than their self-designed outfits, so I really wish I could try one someday.

The activities organized for us today left me feeling satisfied and fulfilled. It was truly wondrous!

Cassie Lui 3S (21)

Today was an exhausted, yet awesome  day! We tried the kangoo jumps! Those rebound shoes are amazing! I tried them on and jumped around in the auditorium! I felt like I bounced like a kangaroo as I jumped with less energy but greater distance. It was really fun! We also danced on the rebound shoes. The choreography together with the music were a total blast! Though I sweated a lot, the physical workout make me feel empowered. I really need to start doing more exercises after returning to Hong Kong. This very experience reminded me of the importance of making time for fitness and exercise. The visit to Fanshawe  Pioneer Village was wonderful. We got to know the life of the early inhabitants in London. Everyone of us had a chance to feed the chickens, card and spin the wool and use the old printing press! They were all fascinating. Two costumed staff came and demonstrated their indigenuous dance to us. It was quite remarkable. Their outfits are well-designed and unique as they usually made their own outfits.

Stephanie Ng 3S (22)

Today was our fifth day. In the morning, we had a lesson on understanding differences. We learnt about what diversity is and how it is applied to our daily lives. Then, we went to have a fitness session called Kangoo jumps. Though the exercise was tiring, we all had fun. After lunch, we set off to Fanshawe Pioneer Village. There we experience the life of the early inhabitants and saw many different historic buildings. We also fed chicken and tried the old printing press. It was truly a wonderful and amazing experience for all of us. After returning to the campus, we played a card game called BARNGA. Through this game, we learnt that there are different cultures in the world, we should respect and accept the differences of each other. In the evening after dinner, we enjoyed the perfromance of POWWOW DANCE, which amazed all of us. The dancers told us a lot about the cultures and stories of themselves.Today was a wonderful day for all of us!

Joanne Hui 3T (14)

In the morning, we had a lesson about diversity in our lives and society. Then, we attended the Kangoo Jumps fitness session. It was really interesting and fun as it is brand-new experience for us. In the afternoon, we visited the Fanshawe Pioneer Village. We learnt about the heritage and history of the early inhabitants and learnt a lot about their lives. It was really meaningful as we had seen and touched some items that are nearly 200 years old such as newspaper. In the evening, we watched a dance performance, i.e. POWWOW dance of some indigenous people. We learnt a lot from their sharing on traditions and some stories behind their unique outfits. What we have experienced today echoed the theme of today - understanding differences.

Karen Leung 3P (22)

We attended the Kangoo Jumps fitness session in the morning. It was fun yet very tiring. We then visited the Fanshawe Pioneer Village, learning more about the early inhabitants of Canada. I was surprised by how the people in the past did their printing with those incredibly tiny stamps. It was very fascinating to us and we really learned more about the local culture. After that, we played a game called Barnga. We have to follow the instruction sheet and play the game in which the winning team got to change their opponents. The most surprising part was that the instructions were actually different at different tables. The meaning behind this game was that we have to accept and learn from each other’s differences in order to avoid stereotyping or discrimination. We also watched the POWWOW dance. I absolutely loved their outfits and I was impressed by the special meanings and stories embedded in their outfits. I learnt a lot more about understanding and respecting differences through the activities we participated today.

Heidi Chan 3P (1)

The activities today surround the theme of understanding differences. In the morning, we had a lesson on the theme and we discussed diversity and cultural differences between Canada and Hong Kong. We then participated in kangoo jumps under the guidance of two professional gym coaches. We wore specially-designed shoes and did a series of fitness movements.

After lunch, we headed to the Fanshawe Pioneer Village where we learnt about Canadian history and culture. We visited the places where chickens and turkeys live and tried to grind corn to make food for the animals. We also visited the free press which simulates a printing shop 200 years before. We had hands-on experience of printing a cover of the old newspaper there. Other than the visit to the village, we played barnga in the auditorium and learnt about the importance of accepting differences between cultures.

Last but not least, there were guests who showed us the POWWOW dances, through which our understanding of North American culture has been enhanced.

Charlotte Chan 3A (2)

After having breakfast, we had a lesson on diversity and discussed some differences between Hong Kong and Canada. I personally think that the most appealing and intriguing one is the "Canadian awkward smile". It is basically about how Canadian strangers on streets smile at each other as a sign of courtesy. Then, we went to the auditorium for the next activity, "kangoo jump". We wore kangoo boots and did a series of movements. It is a new fitness sport which I find enticing.

In the afternoon, we visited the Fanshawe Pioneer Village, where we learnt how printing worked in the past, and we also fed chickens. Playing card games allowed us to be more open and receptive to cultural differences. In the evening, we learnt about pow wow dance, its costume and its cultural manifestation. I have known more about indigenous Candanians and we all broadened our horizons.