First day at the Hospital

My first impression of the environment in Cherokee is that the hospital was beautiful. I loved how holistic the environment was and I think that it has many healing properties for the patients. What I found most interesting about this culture’s history is that they are preserving their past and I was fascinated on how they made things. For example, they used every part of the animal. They even used yellow locust to make some of their items. Everything they did was through trial and error. They used the land to their fullest potential. I would say that some of my values and beliefs are similar and some are different. They believe that the earth has so many natural properties and that they are very healing. Native Americans have discovered many natural properties and they use them in almost everything that they do. I do not believe that the earth was created by a beetle, but they have incorporated Christian beliefs and that is more of my belief system. I also believe highly in respecting elders and that they can teach us so much and it is important to listen to what they have to say. I also like how they have stories that teach valuable life lessons. For example, I read a story today about a rabbit and a turtle and how even though the turtle was slow, he was persistent and tried his hardest and he was the one who ended up winning the race over the rabbit who used up all of his energy in the beginning. The culture heritage is integrated into the children in the community by having classes set up in their schools. The girl said today that their school had a mentor program and she did some art classes and pottery classes. They also have a language school which is keeping the language in their community. I think other influences is that they have a lot of tourist attractions and that brings in money to their community so if they teach about their culture, they are influencing the children and they can help out at events. A common thread that is similar to my community is that I am from a smaller town where everyone knows everyone and that is how it is here. I think we also all try to take care of each other, and we have always helped people out in our community when needed and they do the same thing. People in my hometown have respect for elders and at my old job, we would help anyone out with their groceries and help them with shopping needs and the same would be done for their elders as well. Overall, it was said in clinical today that even though we might be of a different culture, we are all human and just want to be accepted and loved and that couldn’t be truer. No matter where you are from, humans can always connect together.