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A Road Trip to Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History


This semester, one of my colleagues and a good friend of mine has invited me to join her on a road trip to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, Michigan. It wasn’t just a trip; it was an important experience that influenced me as a student, a worker, and a person. Also, shout out to the Office of Student Success and Global Engagement at Purdue University for sponsoring this trip!

The Journey Begins

As we drove through Michigan, I felt excited. I have always wanted to learn more about different cultures and stories, and this museum was known for its amazing exhibits about African American history. I thought this was a great opportunity for me to learn about the history of people who have a different background from mine. I believe only experiences like this could help us understand more deeply about culture and history because books do not provide enough information or real-life experience (i.e. photos, arts, sounds, etc.); they are just written words to me. However, going there in person and learning about one specific culture is such an honor to me; therefore, I was so eager for that trip!

When I arrived, the museum building was stunning and strong, welcoming me inside. My friend and I took a bunch of photos before we went inside. Each exhibit shared a unique story that invited me to think about history and its lessons. One exhibit that really touched me was about the Civil Rights Movement. It featured real stories of bravery and determination from people who fought for equality. Learning about their struggles made me feel inspired and pushed me to think about my role in promoting justice and understanding.

On a professional level, this experience made me want to get more involved in my community. I understood the need to connect what I learned in school with real-life issues. On a personal level, the trip reminded me of how strong people can be. Hearing the stories of those who faced challenges helped me think about my own experiences. I felt motivated to stay strong and committed to my goals, knowing that challenges can help us grow. Besides, it reminded me of how my country used to suffer a similar pain during the Pol Pot regime, where people committed mass murder against their own people. I know I can’t compare pain between these two completely different events; however, I don’t think any of these events would hurt our generations any less when reminded of such tragedies.

Reflecting on my visit to the Charles H. Wright Museum, I see how important experiences can shape who we are. This trip made me more committed to embracing different stories, standing up for justice in education, and inspiring others through storytelling. I left the museum not just with new knowledge but also with a stronger sense of purpose, eager to make a positive difference in the world. As I continue my journey, I carry the lessons from that day with me, determined to honor the voices of those who came before and to support those who will follow.




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