Professional Hopes and Goals

I hope to make a positive impact on the lives of the children and families that I come in contact with. I aspire to make children all feel equal and that they are able to reach and goal that they set their minds and determination to. I want to be the leader that they are proud and feel comfortable to call on. Making a difference and taking time to change lives is what I strive to do each day. I want to speak out against social injustices and ensure that everyone knows that they have a voice and that their voice matters. I want to thank my peers for sharing their stories throughout the weeks and for reading and responding to mine.

Welcoming Families From Around the World

The name of “your” family’s country of origin
The family that I have coming in are from Haiti.

At least five ways in which you will prepare yourself to be culturally responsive towards this family

1) Have an interpreter that speaks Creole and/or French.

2)Be sure to greet with a handshake

3)Inform them about our soccer team- showing I have read about their culture and that is their primary sport

4)Be sure to ask the parents about the current educational level of the child- in Haiti, by the time that children are 7 to 8 years old, they are in the work force and not in school.

5)Ensure that the literature provided is in French or Creole until the family is accustom to English language.

A brief statement describing in what ways you hope that these preparations will benefit both you and the family

I would think that these accommodations would be beneficial to the parents and student but as well as benefit me. Communication can be a huge barrier that prevents conversations from being held appropriate and being able to create dialogue. The use of an interpreter, if needed, and having material that the family is able to read. Speaking about sports and things that are important to their culture shows that I have done research about their traditions and am interested in welcoming them properly.

Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression? Keep in mind that one can encounter such incidents in real contexts, including online environments, as well as in fictional ones, such as movies, books, television shows, and the like.

I remember the first time that I watched the movie Roots. It brought about such a passion of disbelief and uncomforting emotions overwhelmed me. How my ancestors were treated as.... basically nothing. Tossed around like sheets of paper, sold off in markets as if they were horses or cattle, and forced to be held in oppression and bondage. To she how children were separated from their parents, babies died due to improper nutrition, how they were shackled and chained together to lay in their own vomit, and many died on the excursion to America. Women were raped by their masters and forced to have their children. It was just an overwhelming experience. All my life we had learned about slavery in history class. But what they don't tell you is that they are giving you the edited version. What was depicted in that film was nothing like anything I have ever read in my American History.

In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?

What feelings did this incident bring up for you?

There was no feeling of equity at all. It was diminished completely. It was like they only could do what was told of them. No options, no questions, no negotiations, just rules and regulations. If you did not do what you were told either you were beat, tortured, sold off, or killed. Point blank. That made me feel a couple of ways. I was sad, mad, disgusted, even a bit bitter. To think that anyone, not just African Americans, would have to endure such treatment is a disgrace to mankind.

What and/or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?

WE as a people have to change in order for incidents like this not to occur and for equity to be felt and present among all races. WE have to stand up and not ignore the microagressions of the world or just think that races are holding grudges for what they endured in the past. WE have to acknowledge the wrong, the hurt, the emotions that follow individuals and work TOGETHER to create a new atmosphere that shows more togetherness.