"We, ladies and gentlemen, are the face of America. We are here tonight making history by leaving our fears and insecurities behind. By doing so we can move forward with confidence knowing that we can make America a better place, where all the people within its boundaries can achieve their own American dream."

Norma Juarez, 2010 Venture graduate, Ogden
(a partnership between the Utah Humanities Council and Weber State University)

Several times during this course I've heard discussions about the value of a humanities course as opposed to a more practical, pragmatic program.  The problem with practical instruction is that the role of giver and receiver never changes.  If you are teaching someone math, it is highly unlikely that you will learn something new about math from your student.  In the humanities however, the role of giver and receiver is constantly shifting.  Whoever is speaking at the time becomes the giver.  This can be a very empowering and validating experience for people in low income situations like us.  We are used to being seen as the receiver and are rarely valued for our life experience or our opinions.  Being able to share something of ourselves and being validated for this can change our minds about  who we are and this change will manifest throughout our lives.

2011 Halifax Humanities 101 Graduate, Halifax, NS, Canada
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