28. Reading, learning, and identity

A cozy photograph of a woman reading a book

Introduction

My identity is a fusion of the rich cultures of Congo, Uganda, and Canada. Each has played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today, not only through lived experiences but also through the way I approach reading and learning. Just as a text requires careful consideration of its context, setting, characters, and themes, my life is a narrative woven together by the diverse cultural elements that have influenced my understanding of the world.

Cultural context: the foundation of learning

In Kinigi, Congo, where I was born, the context of my life was deeply rooted in community traditions. The stories passed down through generations, the songs sung during celebrations, and the communal values were my first lessons in understanding the world. These cultural narratives were my introduction to reading—not through books, but through the lived experience of oral history and shared knowledge.

As I grew older and moved to Uganda, the context of my learning shifted. Kampala, with its blend of modernity and tradition, offered new perspectives. English became the language through which I explored written texts, and faith played a significant role in shaping my intellectual curiosity. The teachings I encountered were not just academic; they were intertwined with the spiritual and moral lessons that guided my understanding of life.

In Canada, where I now reside, the context of my learning has expanded even further. Here, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with diverse texts from all over the world, each offering a different lens through which to view my own experiences. Canada’s multicultural environment has enriched my identity, allowing me to explore new ideas while remaining grounded in the values I’ve carried with me from Congo and Uganda.

Connecting the elements: setting, characters, and themes

Just as a story’s setting provides the backdrop for its characters and themes, the places I’ve lived have influenced the people I’ve become and the lessons I’ve learned. Kinigi’s close-knit community instilled in me the importance of relationships and the power of shared experiences. The characters in my life—family, friends, and community members—have all contributed to the narrative of who I am, each playing a role in my personal growth.

In Uganda, the setting of Kampala introduced me to a broader world, one where faith and education were central themes. The characters in this chapter of my life—teachers, mentors, and peers—challenged me to think critically, to question, and to seek understanding beyond the surface. These experiences were not just educational; they were transformative, shaping my identity in profound ways.

Canada, with its vast landscapes and diverse communities, has added new dimensions to my story. The themes of charity, inclusion, and community service that I’ve encountered here have deepened my understanding of what it means to be a global citizen. The characters I’ve met in Canada—people from various backgrounds and cultures—have enriched my life, offering new perspectives and helping me to see the world through different eyes.

Learning as a lifelong journey

Reading and learning are not just academic pursuits; they are ways of understanding the world and my place within it. My identity, shaped by the cultural contexts of Congo, Uganda, and Canada, continues to evolve as I engage with new texts and ideas. Just as a good story requires careful analysis and reflection, so too does the process of self-discovery. By reading deeply and learning from my experiences, I’m able to connect the dots of my cultural heritage, creating a cohesive narrative that reflects who I am.

Conclusion: the narrative of identity

My life is a story, one that is still being written. The cultural influences of Congo, Uganda, and Canada provide the context, setting, characters, and themes that shape my identity. Through reading and learning, I’m able to explore these elements, gaining a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me. As I continue on this journey, I’m reminded that identity is not fixed; it’s a dynamic narrative that evolves with each new experience, each new text, and each new lesson.

The reference artwork