When I walked into class on the first day, I had no idea what to expect. Unlike any other course I had taken, this class combined a writing seminar with an internship experience, centered around the exploration of Greek films and the concept that meaning is constructed through representation, particularly as it evolves across cultures. By analyzing a variety of Greek films, we explored how historical events have shaped Greek national identity over time. This helped me develop a deeper understanding of Greek culture and behavior, along with the ways Greek people are perceived by others, and how they, in turn, perceive the world.
Now, as I reach the end of both the class and the internship, I can clearly see how each step of the journey has shaped my learning. I’ve gained not only a deeper understanding of Greek cinema and history, but also valuable insights into how representation influences cultural identity and perception. The books we read provided me with key concepts and critical frameworks to consider when engaging with media, while the films offered a window into Greek culture and historical experiences. Being able to connect these two components allowed me to write thoughtful, analytical pieces on the themes and concerns I observed throughout the course.
On the other hand, the internship helped me become more critical of the media I consume, encouraging me to ask questions about why certain things are represented the way they are. Knowing that I was writing something that could influence others made me more conscious of my own voice and the perspectives I put into the world. This awareness, combined with the experience of engaging with Greek people, especially during the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival, allowed me to see how deeply representation, storytelling, and community matter to their cultural identity. Through the internship, I witnessed firsthand how proud and supportive Greeks are of their culture. Being able to experience this culture myself was one of the most valuable aspects of both the class and the internship.
I’m finishing this class with the certainty that, more than just gaining knowledge, I had an experience that I will carry with me and speak about in the future. It has given me the tools to engage in meaningful conversations with people from other cultures, while better understanding their backgrounds, values, and behaviors. In today’s globalized world, learning about culture and history is essential to building lasting relationships, ones rooted in respect, empathy, and understanding.