Being Human was a Summer Brock Experience where I was able to travel to San Francisco in the beginning of June, 2022 to consider how a person’s genome contributes to their identity as a human. In this course we discussed the morality behind genetic enhancement. One use of genetic enhancement would be as a means to cure certain genetic disorders, but with that comes the ability and the fear of simply choosing the “best” physical character traits for personal gain. In San Francisco, we met with many stakeholders and experts in these fields to discuss our various questions surrounding the topic, and with each person we were able to talk openly about the science and philosophy around these controversial issues. It was an eye opening experience where I learned a great deal about a very important subject matter, and I was also able to learn more about myself.

The artifact I have chosen to include for this experience was my final reflection on the entire course. It includes samples of journal entries I wrote while in San Francisco, and the very first journal entry I wrote during the Pre-departure portion of the course. In the reflection I give my final view on the subject of genetic enhancement, and state my reasonings behind my beliefs that formed as a result of my time in San Francisco.