As I think about my cultural background and how it affects my view of the world, I realise that many Black South African heritage has taught me two valuable lessons that shape my understanding of life. The first one has to be Ubuntu and how we're all connected. In my culture or rather most African cultures as we're more or less the same, Ubuntu means treating others with kindness and respect because we're all part of a bigger community. This lesson has taught me that my actions affect others and that we need to work together and care for each other. Ubuntu helps me remember that we're all in this together. For instance, you never know what someone is going through, so always be nice to people even in your worst days.

The second lesson that I learnt from my culture is knowing about its past to understand why some people do things the way that they do; basically looking back at our history and traditions to learn from them and move forward. This lesson has taught me to appreciate my cultural roots and learn from the experiences of my ancestors. It helps me understand that our past shapes our present and future. For instance there are some things that you can't change, like Lobola procedures etc.

These two lessons have not only shaped the way I view the world but also taught me to be open-minded and respectful of other people's perspectives. I recognise that the way I view the world is unique to my experiences and culture, and I strive to approach others with empathy and understanding.

Reflecting on my daily networks, I realize they are diverse and interconnected, weaving together aspects of my personal, professional, and social life. At the core of these networks are my family members, whose support and companionship form the foundation of my daily interactions. My family network encompasses immediate family, extended relatives, and close family friends, creating a web of connections that provides emotional support, advice, and shared experiences. Through these relationships, I exchange love, care, and knowledge, constantly learning and growing within the familial framework.

Moving outward, my professional network plays a crucial role in shaping my career and aspirations. This network includes colleagues, mentors, industry contacts, and professional associations. Each connection within this network brings opportunities for collaboration, skill development, and career advancement. I exchange ideas, expertise, and support with fellow professionals, contributing to a dynamic exchange of knowledge and resources that enriches my professional journey.

In addition to family and professional networks, my social network encompasses friends, neighbors, community members, and online connections. This diverse network provides a sense of belonging, social interaction, and shared interests. Within this sphere, exchanges range from emotional support and companionship to shared activities, hobbies, and cultural experiences. Each interaction contributes to a sense of community and mutual understanding, fostering meaningful connections and personal growth.

Reflecting on these networks, I see how interconnected they are, with individuals often belonging to multiple spheres simultaneously. For example, a colleague may also be a close friend or a family friend may offer professional advice. These overlapping connections highlight the fluidity and complexity of modern networks, where boundaries between personal, professional, and social spheres are often blurred.

In terms of exchanges, my networks facilitate a wide range of transactions, both tangible and intangible. Tangible exchanges include practical support such as help with tasks, sharing resources, and collaborative projects. Intangible exchanges encompass emotional support, guidance, empathy, and shared experiences that contribute to mutual growth and well-being.

Overall, my daily networks are dynamic ecosystems that shape my identity, experiences, and interactions. They provide a rich tapestry of relationships, exchanges, and opportunities for personal and collective development. By navigating and nurturing these networks with care and intentionality, I continue to learn, evolve, and contribute to the interconnected web of human connections that define our social fabric.

Reflecting on the readings, I see how stereotypes can make people seem different or strange. Wainaina showed how Africa is often talked about in a simple, wrong way, focusing only on poverty and strange rituals. Miner's story about the Nacirema tribe sounded weird at first, but it turned out to be about Americans and their everyday habits. Both examples show how we can misunderstand others when we only see them through stereotypes.

Ngozi and Bart-Williams talked about the danger of believing just one story about someone or somewhere. Ngozi shared her experience of being seen only through a single story, which made others misunderstand her. Bart-Williams explained how we can change our thinking by listening to different stories from diverse people.

Thinking about all this, I realize I might have my own stereotypes about people or cultures. Sometimes I might think all doctors are smart and successful, which is a positive stereotype. But I might also have negative stereotypes, like assuming all teenagers are lazy. Even if I don't mean to, these stereotypes can make me see others as strange or different. I want to be more aware of these assumptions and try to see people as individuals, not just as stereotypes.

I've learned that by listening to diverse stories and challenging stereotypes, I can better understand others and create a more inclusive world where everyone feels respected and valued.