Elaine CP #4

 For this conversation partner session with Shatha, we focused on discussing our own critical incidents in the pass. She was not familiar with the concept, so I explained it thoroughly and included an example that was shared in our class. I then offered my mine. My critical incident happened when I went to Turkey over a summer when I was 14. I was not familiar with the culture at all and spent the rest of my trip visiting Western European countries, so the only clothes I had were short sleeved and shorts. My exposed clothing was not acceptable in many historical and religious sites, such as mosques. I had to buy scarves in an attempt to cover up more, but I did ultimately feel bad for not being more prepared. Shatha's critical incident happened when she visited Washington D.C. two years ago, and she entered an elevator where an American mother and her child were in. Shatha explained to me how in her culture, it is normal for older strangers to touch and compliment children they see in a caring way. She began to touch the American boy and compliment him, and the mother screamed at her to not touch her son. Shatha tells me how now she does not even try to stare at random children in fear of her invading their personal space.