Below is a list of our shared assumptions, values, and stories that I feel are of great significance:

Joseph – I, like Joseph, was raised in a multi-cultural environment. Having spent the first decade of my life in Iran, I have spent a considerable time of my life with my family members who hold different cultural values. As a result, the formation of my identity took quite some time due to the great differences in these two environments. It greatly challenged me in determining what I really considered to be my home.

However, after having spent the great majority of my life in Canada, I can now certainly say that my home is here. All of my experiences, my values and beliefs are well aligned with Canadian principles. I have been extremely fortunate to experience life from multiple different cultures. I think Joseph would certainly agree with me.

Joanne – A common element in our definition of home is the feeling of a safe space. It is a place of safety, relaxation, and familiarity.
“… the sense of familiarity is one more component that contributes to my definition of home”.

Georgia – Our shared value in the sense of home is the feeling of gathering around those who we consider being of vital importance – family. For us, we share the thought that it really is a great feeling to be met with family when we get back home. It is a very important moment that allows us to share our stories with those who love us.

Indra – My sense of home certainly is a physical shelter – away from chaos and disorder. On their blog, Indra mentioned how they don’t feel that their idea of a home is anything physical. However, one important assumption and value that we share is the belief that everyone should be able to define their own sense of a home. This is very important, as it allows folks to “develop [their] own criteria for happiness and security”.

June – Our shared story is the tragedy of separation from home. In their case, their grandfather lost their home as a result of a tragic war. Although not nearly as tragic, in my case, my parents lost their home when they left their home country in pursuit of a better life for their children.

Sidney – Our shared assumption is the freedom we are privileged to experience. Living here has blessed us with great freedom and allows us to fulfill our dreams.

Even though our literal definition of a home may be different, we all very much share the same values.

 

Works Cited

“Blog Post Image: Group-Holding-Hands-on-Beach-Www.livingartscenter.org_.” Creating Scholars Through Therapy LLC. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2020. <http://creatingscholarsthroughtherapy.org/group-holding-hands-on-beach-www-livingartscenter-org_-2/#attachment/0/>

Joseph Um. N.p., 28 Jan. 2020. Web. 03 Feb. 2020. <https://blogs.ubc.ca/josephum/>.

Joanne. N.p., 28 Jan. 2020. Web. 03 Feb. 2020. <https://blogs.ubc.ca/zhannakutlimetovaengl372>.

Georgia. N.p., 28 Jan. 2020. Web. 03 Feb. 2020. <https://blogs.ubc.ca/georgiamasaki/>.

Indra. N.p., 28 Jan. 2020. Web. 03 Feb. 2020. <https://blogs.ubc.ca/engl372indrai/>.

June. N.p., 28 Jan. 2020. Web. 03 Feb. 2020. <https://blogs.ubc.ca/jroh00/>.

Sidney. N.p., 28 Jan. 2020. Web. 03 Feb. 2020. <https://blogs.ubc.ca/engl372blog/>.