The Changing Cultures of Regent Park - Participant Reflection

Zahra Oman reflects upon the Changing Culture Course: a partnership between Focus Media Arts Centre and U of T involving U of T students and residents of Regent Park.   

"This course brought me happiness I didn’t expect to find in school. For the first time in my academic journey, I could fully intertwine my lived experiences in Regent Park with my academics and share them in a way that felt authentic and deeply meaningful. It wasn’t just about doing research or producing media; it was about telling a story that’s mine and my community’s in a space where people were ready to learn. It was a space where my voice and knowledge felt valued. Before this class, I often thought I didn’t belong at U of T. I used to rush home after lectures and back to my community, where I felt most like myself. But this course changed that. For the first time, I wanted to stay. I looked forward to each class because it felt like a place where I was seen and my experiences mattered. It reminded me that what I’ve lived through has value in that it can shape learning, planning, and how we talk about cities. I met people who genuinely cared and were open to learning about Regent Park without judgment, and that made the classroom feel safe. This course didn’t feel like work. It felt like a passion project, allowing me to give back to my community while educating others. Out of all the courses I’ve taken, this one stands out as my favorite. Not because it was easy, but because it was honest. It reminded me that school doesn’t have to be separate from the world I live in. In fact, when those two things come together, something really powerful can happen. "

 

By Zahra Oman