When I came to Emory, the process of adaptation was very struggling. Firstly, I was kind of depressed of leaving home and not having friends here. However, I was so fortunate to have the chance to attend Crossroads retreat. The 3-day, 2-night off campus experience was really “life-changing”. In the program, I made a lot of friends and learned a lot through different game and reflection.
I will use photos taken by me and many crossroads friends to illustrate what we did, what we thought and what moved us at that time. My idea is to use the form of photo essay to reflects that it is Emory, such a diverse community, brought us so much invaluable experience with different friends of various backgrounds. We learned to respect these difference. Before I came to Emory, I had no idea about discrimination at all. However, through the Crossroads program I figured out that discrimination of races, genders, sexual orientation and many other aspects are incredibly a serious issue. I introspected my self and figured out that I have made so many judgements about people around me and that was very disrespectful. Also, we have small group reflection discussion and thoughts exchange, in which we absolutely trust each other and talked a lot about our deeply hidden secrets to release the long-term buried pressure. I felt these activities did not come from nowhere. They were so helpful that through which I form a brand new image about my self. I was no longer shy and unconfident. I began to speak up and shout out my voice under the courage from friends and facilitators.
I also drew two pieces of drawings after the crossroads. This is really a ‘life changing’ event that happened in a ‘life changing’ place. Far away from my original place, we crossed thousands of miles to the U.S. Crossroads made me understand how worth to have education here. Lesson learned from the Crossroads may be helpful through out my whole life.
Specifically for the memoir project, I will choose photos maybe some videos as well as some text to demonstrate what I learned and experienced through Crossroads retreat.