Cross-Cultural Awareness Isn’t a Checklist, It’s a Mindset

 

I am enrroled in a Cross Cultural Studies course and as it comes to an end, I’ve found myself reflecting on just how much I’ve grown, both personally and professionally. One of the biggest “ah-ha” moments for me was realizing how deeply rooted our cultural assumptions are, and how they shape the way we show up in our classrooms and interact with our colleagues.

I often use the iceberg metaphor when talking about culture, what we see on the surface is just a fraction of the full picture. The beliefs, values, fears, and experiences beneath that surface are harder to notice but deeply powerful. This course reminded me that cross-cultural awareness isn’t something you check off a list. It’s a mindset, one grounded in humility, curiosity, and a willingness to keep learning.

One moment that really stuck with me was the Tell Me Your Story interview I did with a colleague who shared his journey from Iran to the United States. His story was honest, emotional, and eye-opening. Listening to him talk about the cultural challenges he faced reminded me just how important it is to slow down and truly hear one another. It inspired me to expand the project into our school podcast so our students could also tell their stories. What happened next was powerful, students opened up about their own journeys, and I saw how storytelling could create space for empathy, connection, and healing.

I’ve learned that every teacher, every student, every person carries a story. And when we take the time to listen, we build stronger communities, inside and outside the classroom.