Soliya Reflection

My new experience is going through online discussions through an international connect program named “Soliya” offered through Exchange Portal. The program aims to connect people all around the world and stimulates discussions in many different topics. The program is designed to have four sessions of 2 hours each with a session once a week.

Thing I found unique in Soliya is the questionnaire that we did before starting the sessions, I think it served coordinating different people into groups that will serve their development best. Also, the fact that you get into a group with people from different backgrounds and places other than you as uncomfortable it may look as beneficial it was for me.

The online discussion was so organized and I guess the platform itself served this purpose along with the facilitator, everyone one had the room to speak without interruption and every one has the right to freely express their opinions without anyone being offended as all the participants kept in mind that we are all exchanging ideas and experiences. Also, our facilitator was so helpful in keeping the conversation going and ensuring we are all getting along the group.

Our group had students from Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia. We discussed a lot of topics in depth like what makes our identity what it is, the effect of social media and news media on people in general, how people constantly judging each other that may lead into grouping and racism.

For my personal experience, it felt so heavy in the beginning to get into the conversation and share my thoughts but it was because I didn’t feel comfortable having such discussion with people I barley know and just knew their names. But after almost half of the first session things started to smooth up and by the second session it was all well and good. Actually, by our last meaning I felt so sad that it was coming to an end, I felt connected to the group even if it was just few online meetings. I wanted to have more of our meetings as I really enjoyed our discussions and exploring our differences and perspectives on the topics we discussed. Overall it was mind opening experience that I would like to have it again anytime.