ALMA RAMIREZ

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HD489 Reflection on Life Experience

My goals in HD489 were to write stories of my life experiences which I thought were
easy to do. It became far more than experiences, these papers gave me the opportunity to reflect
on a deeper level. Human development became much more understandable as I wrote those
papers.
This was one of my first classes at Pacific Oaks College. I came into Pacific Oaks with a
huge load of baggage and was still sorting out, at the same time trying to evolve into a new
woman. With reflection on my life experiences along with the compassion, understanding and
non-judgmental approach of the professor, made my experience that much easier. Adding to my
knowledge of human development helped me understand that not everyone goes through the
same life experiences. Some have positives while others experience more negative setbacks.
Although we all have differences and an unhealthy development, human development becomes a
moment where adults should understand and help each other.
After completing the assignments, I had the ability to reflect on a personal level through
the construction of theory, analyzing, implement of communication and the diversity. Each of
these papers helped me understand myself that much more as well as understanding that in life
there are many of us who go through similarities and come to an understanding instead of
judging. I also enjoyed the closeness of the classroom among my peers and how we respected
each other, it set the standard for what was to come.
During the semester, we had a presentation on Community and Diversity the
presentation consisted of how the diversity of the community can come together with both
positives and negatives alike. The presentation also consisted of how humanity sees each other
as a competition and working together can make the group that much better. First, we handed out

ALMA RAMIREZ

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pieces of what looked like a puzzle and asked them to hold onto to it until the end of our
presentation. Second, the presentation consisted of a power point where we explained virtues of
helping each other through successful opportunities, how our differences are things that we can
celebrate and focus on similarities. Third, was the physicality of getting every one off their chairs
and participate in the game. Since our class consisted of diversity and each one had a piece of
puzzle in their hand, felt perfect to do the exercise. Each one of our peers walked to the front of
the class room, where we were standing, as they came close we asked to please put the puzzle
together. Each piece of puzzle represented the differences and similarities that each individual
was composed of. This method proved that without a piece of the puzzle the figure was
incomplete and how we all need to work together to make a better community and consequently
a better world.
Finally, with all the reflection I did throughout my writing and understanding, it has
helped me to understand those around me as well as those I will encounter throughout the years.
As humans, we all carry stories, some are considered baggage while others become stories that
strengthen our virtues. It also gave me the opportunity to improve my well-being and the
freedom to be true to myself.