Avila_America+4+REFLECTION

Now is the time for change.

Even though the final days of our American Literature class have come, does this mean our studies and understanding of our American Character have ended? Should we be looking at our past to understand and guide the decisions of the future?

Based on my own experiences and research, I've come to realize that our generation is one of leadership, but I'm not sure if it's also one of change. I think we're willing to question the institutions that are in place more and more, but I hope to see that the injustices we face will be countered not with more injustice but with a motive of strong and positive intentions.

As a reflection upon this past year, I've come to realize that the beginning framework of the study was only a vehicle towards the actual change that I have and will continue to participate in. I've learned that our reality is not fixed, but rather that there are many openings for youth to change. My journey has been to question all the authors we've read in this American Literature class, and have come to challenge myself in overcoming such limitation of close mindedness. There is nothing more important than thinking of what you don't know and trying to answer the questions you've presented. I believe this should be a guiding part of what leads our generation into more prominent positions as leaders. I feel that I am only coming to the end of the beginning, I have understood and recognized my ignorance but have also come to recognize OUR potential as Americans. The road does not suddenly end here. I cannot make the declaration that suddenly, as a result of a year of studying authors such as Steinbeck, Hawthorne, or Fritzgerald, that I will no longer participate in oppressive behaviors--because that would be false. The first step (of many) is to recognize the wrongs. The next step is to take action and become further educated.

Finally, I've learned that self-reflection requires one to get outside of their comforts, to learn how to organize their ideas more carefully, and to be engaged in fruitful discussion. I have learned to be an active participant of society but have learned to question the very components of what lead us towards success.