According to class notes, ontology means one's 'world view.'
So to reflect upon this, I would like to present my ontology.
Growing up an Ohio native, I was lucky enough to experience some means of travel in my younger years. I played various sports competitively on travel teams, and this lead to my extended visits to multiple U.S. states. These include Kansas, Florida, Indiana, and Maryland. All of which I competed in fast pitch world series events. However, even with being able to view more of my home country, I wasn't very aware that too much of the world existed outside of the states, specifically Ohio. Everywhere I visited was very different to what I called home, this includes some of the sporting events I participated in. Some styles of play varied, 'type' of players, and also size of players.
I vividly remember at time we competed against the ICE, a fast pitch team from central Canada.
They were HUGE. Being in an international competition, it was very stressed to keep a positive and social atmosphere around the games. So speaking with our rival team, we learned they all had grown up playing hockey. Which explained their stature at a mere 14 years old, compared to our lacking physical presence.
This is my biggest wake up call to my somewhat lacking world views in previous years. I didn't believe that girls played hockey. The proof was there, because I am pretty sure they run-ruled us in the bottom of the 5th inning 8-0.
I have very much opened my eyes to the big bad world around me since my younger years. From diversity in looks, beliefs, sports, and identities, I have a very open mind and heart to the differences of the world. I would like to though, travel outside of the U.S. and experience a European country and culture, and also an Asian culture. There are very many students I have met from both backgrounds, and I would greatly benefit from seeing the vast differences of the world. I especially would like to see a sports setting in another country. As we have discussed rugby in South Africa, cricket in New Zealand- I feel as if I am missing out until I experience this!
So to reflect upon this, I would like to present my ontology.
Growing up an Ohio native, I was lucky enough to experience some means of travel in my younger years. I played various sports competitively on travel teams, and this lead to my extended visits to multiple U.S. states. These include Kansas, Florida, Indiana, and Maryland. All of which I competed in fast pitch world series events. However, even with being able to view more of my home country, I wasn't very aware that too much of the world existed outside of the states, specifically Ohio. Everywhere I visited was very different to what I called home, this includes some of the sporting events I participated in. Some styles of play varied, 'type' of players, and also size of players.
I vividly remember at time we competed against the ICE, a fast pitch team from central Canada.
They were HUGE. Being in an international competition, it was very stressed to keep a positive and social atmosphere around the games. So speaking with our rival team, we learned they all had grown up playing hockey. Which explained their stature at a mere 14 years old, compared to our lacking physical presence.
This is my biggest wake up call to my somewhat lacking world views in previous years. I didn't believe that girls played hockey. The proof was there, because I am pretty sure they run-ruled us in the bottom of the 5th inning 8-0.
I have very much opened my eyes to the big bad world around me since my younger years. From diversity in looks, beliefs, sports, and identities, I have a very open mind and heart to the differences of the world. I would like to though, travel outside of the U.S. and experience a European country and culture, and also an Asian culture. There are very many students I have met from both backgrounds, and I would greatly benefit from seeing the vast differences of the world. I especially would like to see a sports setting in another country. As we have discussed rugby in South Africa, cricket in New Zealand- I feel as if I am missing out until I experience this!
I really like this entry Stephanie. The great thing is that you are still young and that is the best time to travel. There tend to be fewer attachments and you typically have more energy. So I say to dream and plan to do whatever you can in the way of travel. BGSU has some exchange programs that you can do--although that might not be something you want to do at this stage. Still, you could even do an internship overseas if you wanted to do that. I think it's great that you want to travel and experience other parts of the world. And, when you return, you can come and speak to our class:-)
ReplyDeleteIts amazing how we grow up in a culture where we are blind as to what is going on in other countries (or other states). We often base our thoughts (and stick to) on stereotypes. I loved your example about the Canadian softball team. I would have never thought that they would be so dominant in that sport, however, your reasoning (the hockey bodies) makes perfect logical sense. Another example of this wrongful stereotyping was brought to my attention this past summer. I watched a program about a group of 12-13 year old boys from Uganda that qualified for the Little League World Series. They were on the "Outside the Lines" because the U.S. denied their Visa's (I forgot the reason why) so they were unable to compete. Anyway, I would have never thought that young boys from a 3rd world African nation would have enough skil in baseball to qualify for such a prestigious international tournament. Recently, and as I get older, I am becoming more open minded and aware of other cultures, and need to continue to broaden my views.
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteVery cool to read your ontology. I believe that travel teams at school is a good way to start your travel experience. I wish that I could see more of Europe during my soccer career. Unfortunately, I mostly played in Holland, which is even smaller than the state Ohio.
I can recommend to travel a lot outside the U.S.. The sports culture is very different in every part of the world. For example, before I came to America I didn't know a lot about American Football and Hockey. Now, I'm sure that I'll watch upcoming Supor Bowl.
Good luck with your travel plans! And please let me know if you come to the Netherlands!
Great comments and great post! I remember seeing the clip to which Kelsey alluded and meant to tape it so we could see it in class. I'll have to see if there is a DVD for it:-)
ReplyDelete