Week 8:

This week, our class readings and discussion allowed me an opportunity to reflect on the two student interviews I completed.  Baxter Magolda’s theory of self-authorship is an interesting lens to use to try to understand the development that these two students are undergoing while on campus as undergraduates.  I wonder about the progression through the phases of self-authorship from arrival on campus to the time that they leave, and what impact the external influences of exposure to another religion have on their personal definition and identification of their faith. 

VN was very interesting in this sense, as she took a dramatic step in her external declaration of faith shortly before coming to Loyola.  By deciding to wear the veil, she placed her religion front and center for everyone to see.  It seems to me that she completed phases 1 and 2 as a high school student, and came to Loyola is stage 3.  The choice to wear the veil was living out her beliefs, and doing so against the wishes of her parents was even more so an act of self-authorship. 

MA, although older than VN, does not seem to be as far down the path toward self-authorship.  She seems to be confused about the role of religion in her life, and concerned about the potential of returning to Nepal where she will have to confront her confusion about the importance she places on Hinduism in her future.  In particular, her concern about her family’s reactions to her “American ideas” on religion tell me that she may be in phase 1.  When in Nepal, she did not question her faith, even though she attended a Catholic school where attempts were made to convert her.  But, once separated from her family and in an unfamiliar setting, she became more open to the idea of Catholicism, and has delicately approached acceptance of Catholic religious ideals while here on campus.  MA might benefit (if maintaining a commitment to Hinduism is important to her) from a stronger tie to a Hindi community either on campus or in the Chicago area.