One of my favorite things to do while traveling is to think about what I have in common with the people that I meet. In Vietnam, I have met many people who share some of the same values as I do. For example, I, alongside many of those I have met here, value respect, honesty and hard work. At the same time, I have met people who have different values than I do. When I speak to people who have different values, I always keep in mind that it is important to listen to a perspective (point of view) that I am not used to. Usually, I end up learning a thing or two about another culture and myself. I have a few short stories about moments that have challenged my own values.
I value gender equality. When you hear the words "gender equality," maybe you just think of men and women being treated as equals (the same). It is important for me to say that there are many places around the world where men and women are not treated equally. In fact, in the United States, we still see situations where men and women are not viewed as equals. In Vietnam, I have noticed a few moments where women were treated differently, or where they were expected to dress or act in a certain way. From wearing make-up to only wearing dresses and skirts, there are a lot of expectations for women.
