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In this course, I learned about hidden biases and stereotypes formed from my family culture and those I have adapted to because of perceptions of various minority groups and isms that I see portrayals of throughout various media platforms. Before embarking on my journey here at Walden University, I saw myself as an outsider constantly feeling pressured to blend into the majority and dominant culture surrounding me. I was quick to play the victim card and see life as a constant battle of others versus me. I was hidden from my own biases and perceptions of others and isms that I was sheltered from and turned a blind eye to. I was unaware of my own privileges such as my ableism, age, class, and religion. I've had my fair share of hardship and I have been submerged into communities and environments of those who have stars upon their bellies while I had non upon mine (Dr. Seuss 1961). However, it is the resilience that I have begun to form over the years that have shaped and molded me into the person that I am today. I have the motivation to keep pushing forward and wanting to make a difference for the next generation of young minds. I want children similar to myself who face similar adversity and struggle with their own self-identity to not feel alone, to know that they are loved, and to know that they are filled with potential and greatness to make their dreams come true. I want to keep my faith in the light at the end of the tunnel and that there is a rainbow after the rain. Though life has its obstacles and sometimes feels like I'm on a crazy mouse ride constantly be jerked from one side to the next with sudden dips and rises. I know that I can make it through and I must make it through for the loved ones in my life and the loved ones I have yet to meet.
References
Dr. Seuss. 1961. The Sneetches and Other Stories.
Laureate Education. n.d. Learning from Another's Life Story.
Kirsten,
ReplyDeleteI would agree with you that my journey at Walden has been one of soul searching as well. I have shared before that I came back to school to refresh my mind on how to develop young children when the school district decided to add full day 3- and 4-year-olds to the campus. What I did not expect is how much of what we believe as adults is going to be how children identify with the world. When I share my assignments with my colleagues they ask “What does that have to do with early childhood?” What we are learning has everything to do with early childhood. Their questioned opened my eyes to the need of training on my campus. My staff does not understand that anti-bias education is an approach to teaching and learning designed to increase understanding of differences and their value to a respectful and civil society and to actively challenge bias, stereotyping and all forms of discrimination in schools and communities (Anti-Defamation League, 2021). The leadership team and I are offering mandatory training once a month on anti-bias curriculum and activities and social emotional learning for the first half of the school year. We have not planned for the second half of the school year but I am excited to see how we are able to provide a better learning experience for all students.
Anti-Defamation League. (2021). What is Anti-Bias Education? Anti-Defamation League. https://www.adl.org/education/resources/glossary-terms/what-is-anti-bias-education
Kirsten,
ReplyDeleteI also will agree that these last few classes at Walden has been having me to really take a close look at who I am as a person and a educator. I have found that the closer to graduation the more harder it is for myself to stay focus. I have been overwhelmed with different aspects of my life, but my resilience to accomplish my goal of graduating in Dec, 2021 is keeping me going. I have noticed that many things that I have learned I have been applying to my personal life and especially my professional life. I really learned how to listen! In the textbook Anti-Bias Education it states how we must constantly reflect our work, learn from our mistakes, expect that will not all work smoothly, and keep trying (Derman-Sparks,L. & Oslen Edwards, 2010). Thanks for Sharing
Reference
Derman-Sparks,L. & Oslen Edwards,J. (2010). Anti-Bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington,DC: NAEYC.
Kirsten ,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! Your blog reminded me that I am a working progress. Everything I do as an educator may not be right the first time, but my efforts in becoming a better educator and a lifelong learner is everything. Thanks for the reminder.
Kristen what a soul searching reflection of journey. You know it takes a lot to critique yourself. I also agree that this journey has opened my eyes to many things I did not know about myself. I also have reflected on my identify, hidden biases, perception others, and plan to use this gained knowledge as I move forward in life this to become a better person not just for myself but all that I come in contact with. Thank you for such an inspiring post.
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