Reflection 5 & 6
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Western Sydney University *
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Communications
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Jan 9, 2024
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Reflection 5
What: What did you find challenging this week or what new insights did you gain?
Thinking about the 'shifting class' discussion brought back memories for me. I was a small African kid
surrounded by rich white classmates. They had clean uniforms, pretty ribbons, and cool stationery.
My uniforms were second-hand, almost worn out, and my parents couldn't afford fancy stationery
like theirs. In those days, I thought they were happy and rich. We are adults now and I’ve come to
know that back in the day they were sad and lonely behind their smiles despite being rich. It made
me realize that having lots of money doesn't always mean being happy.
Why did you like the learning materials and essential readings this week or why not?
Reflecting on this week's learning materials, I felt a connection, especially since I am part of the few
who have made it to university within my group. While my friends saw university as a choice, for me,
it was a necessary step to join the educated elite, like Turner, Pelts, and Thompson (2016) say. Taking
all these into consideration I can clearly see that the reason why I want to succeed in life is so that
my kids can have what I wished for as a child—to be like those apparently happy girls with
everything.
Turner, G.W., Pelts, M.D. and Thompson, M.G. (2016) “Breaking taboos: The power of group work for
first-generation scholars,” Social Work with Groups, 40(1-2), pp. 168–173. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1080/01609513.2015.1069114
Reflection 6
What: What did you find challenging this week or what new insights did you gain?
I got emotional about my own struggles after seeing the images of the curvy fairy. Over the years, I
have gained a lot of weight after birthing four children. This has changed how I see myself, affecting
my beauty in the eyes of my partner. I've come to know that not being attractive enough may have
led to his unfaithfulness. I find myself exposed to domestic violence and my weight gain becomes a
focus point for my partner's hurtful words and name-calling which affects myself esteem. Regardless
of the challenging situation, I am still a mother who emphasize love and positivity to my children, but
there is a conflict. I encourage them to love themselves but struggle with feelings of inadequacy.
Where: Where do you see yourself using your new learning from this week in future?
I reached a point of self-awareness after realising the role the media play in how women compare
their bodies to their peers (Carey, Donahue & Broderick, 2013). Although peer influence is beyond
immediate control, I understood that change can come from self-reflection and empowerment. The
curvy fairy images, along with personal challenges such as weight gain, domestic violence, and
diminished self-love, drove me to actively take action. I am going to take steps to build self-
confidence and self-love.
Carey, R.N., Donaghue, N. and Broderick, P. (2014) “Body image concern among australian
adolescentgirls: The role of body comparisons with models and peers,” Body Image, 11(1), pp. 81–
84. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2013.09.006
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