5 Summary

Sometimes you may feel you have to act in a particular way, for example, because that’s how your community is seen or what people expect of you, based on the past. This can have life changing consequences for you and others around you.

In this course you have learned the power of thinking things through before you act. You have explored how community might shape your action and choices and you have considered how you can create your own understanding of community. You have identified your personal values. You explored some of the reasons why you make the choices you do, developed your skills for thinking critically and skills to help you make the right decisions for you. And you have considered the role you want to play in your community or communities and how you can go about doing this.

As you get ready to use your new skills and voice in the world, take a few minutes to listen to this final message from William.

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Transcript: Video 2: Final word from William

WILLIAM

At some stage in your life, you will be faced with having to make options, having to make choices, having to follow pathways that you may feel forced into, you may feel coerced into, you may feel peer-pressurised into. You may feel it’s your duty. What we’re asking you to think about in this, is that what might be the consequences of this?

So, in doing so, we’re encouraging you to consider that there may be more than one pathway. There’s nothing wrong with thinking about the immediacy of where you live, the people you are involved with, and so forth. But in this shrinking global environment, we’re asking you to think beyond and to raise your aspirations so that you widen your intelligence, your horizons, your articulation, your political thinking, be it what it may to you.

What we hope that you would take away from this course is that not only do you become a more self-reflected individual, but that you consider those options that you’re faced with in life, so’s that subsequently you don’t make decisions that somewhere down the line, you will regret.

End transcript: Video 2: Final word from William

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Video 2: Final word from William

Now you have completed the course, you should be able to:

• consider how external factors shape personal identity and choices
• ask questions and think critically about information
• explore different perspectives
• broaden thoughts about the future and develop a voice to work with others for a positive change.

Figure 2 (repeated): Group illustration from left to right: Dylan, Matty, Brandon, Adam (top row) and Ashton, Ryan, Stephen, William (bottom row). William (Project Director for the ACT Initiative) is on the right of the group.

Thank you for doing our course and for taking the time to think about things that matter to you. We hope you enjoyed it.

The Open University would really appreciate your feedback on your experience of studying or teaching this course. Participation will be completely confidential and we will not pass on your details to others. Course survey [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)]