This growth was first fueled by the new people I met. With all the different backgrounds and ideals, my knowledge of the different cultures of the country and the world began to grow. Along with knowledge comes understanding and acceptance of others. This acceptance extends not only to cultures that are learned directly, but to all cultures because from this growing cultural awareness a more open mind develops. This exposure to new cultures wasn't the only experience that broadened my acceptance. Another activity that helped grow my acceptance was playing card games in class. Not being able to speak up and having different rules helps simulate how others have to adapt when moving to a new place. This activity helped my understanding grow because I had now experienced what other people experience in a different culture. By experiencing this phenomenon, the judgment I felt when I saw a person with a different background doing something strange is no longer felt. Instead, sympathy and a desire to help took the place of judgment. The card activity and the emergence of new people have helped me cultivate and grow my acceptance