Professional Hopes and Goals

The one hope that I have when working with children and their families who come from a diverse background is that I will accept their differences and not offend them with any microaggression that will disempower them. Also I would like to make a difference in the lives of children so that they will also make a change to accepting the differences that others bring. One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field is to advocate for the child and families so that they are given the opportunity that is merited to them without any hassles because of the color of their skin or any other differences they may have. I would like to thank all my colleagues for sharing your stories and your encouraging words. I wish you all the best in your journey. I hope to see or hear from you in future classes. Keep up the good work. I would like to thank Dr. Parrish for her patience and encouragement. Thank you for teaching me to see diversity in the true light.

Welcoming Families From Around the World

I am working in childcare center and the family would come from China. The way in which I will prepare to be culturally responsive I will learn the language, what part of the country they are from, what are their traditions, customs, and the holidays they celebrate and I would prepare the student in the class so that they can also become familiar with the new families differences. Frist I would learn some words in Chinese so that I can teach the children how to greet them and introduce myself. By learning what part of China they are from will increase my knowledge as to who the family is and show them respect. Knowing their traditions, customs, and holidays will help me to plan a curriculum that will be free from bias and will make a warm and loving environment in order to make the family feel welcomed, safe and secure.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

I can recall one incident that my friend experienced a prejudice act. I have a girlfriend who is African American we raised our children together and we visit each other offend. When our sons were younger they were in basketball teams in their perspective schools. The teams had played against each other during the year with no incident. It was the championship game and the game was hosted on our home team court. The bleachers are located on one side of the gym so the opposing team would set on one side and us on the far side. My girlfriend and I sat next to each other in the middle. They were winning and of course she was cheering her son on and I was teasing her; at that point one of the parents on our side looked at me and ask “why are they even here”? The other parent did not know that we were friends so I introduced her to my girlfriend. The other parent remarked hello and left. I felt so bad and was angry my girlfriend advised me not to waist my time in being angry at foolishness. We enjoyed the rest of the game and her sons school won the championship game. Our boys showed true sportsmanship by expressing a warm welcome to the others team members and joking around. This act of prejudice diminished equity in that my girlfriends rights to be at our school was infringe upon because she is African American in a predominately white school. The attitude of the white women would have to have change in order for the situation to change and be equal for all. I admired my girlfriends out look and her mature response to the situation.

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions Now that I have read on what are microaggressions I find myself listening out for them and making myself aware of the things I say. This week at work I experience a microaggression. One of my co-workers was talking to a volunteer who is Indian. The co-worker was talking to her and made mentioned that she spoke good English for not being raised here in the United States. The volunteer told my co-worker that she studied English from home and studied in the States. My coworker remarked how impressive that was and how proud her family must be. As I listened to the conversation I immediately thought of Dr. Sue and his experience and feelings when someone had approached him in a similar manner. I see the volunteer become offensive and her answers were short and to the point. My observation of the situation was that my co-worker did mean to offend her and thought she was giving her a compliment. I looked at the matter in a different light now that I know and understand what microaggressions are and how the comments we think are innocent but in the end are hurtful and discriminatory.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

The three people I asked about diversity and culture are my sister who is seven years younger, my sister-in-law who is an African American and my other sister-in-law who is Macedonian. The answers that then gave me were similar to what I have studied so far. They all feel that culture is a persons traits and traditions that are carried from generation to generation. Diversity is the differences that people bring to the table. Differences can be language, customs, foods, and up bring of the children. My sister-in-law who is Macedonian expressed the diversity in her own culture depends on which part of the country you are from; it may be that a particular food is prepared in a different way from where she was raised or center words can be different as well. The reason I asked my younger sister about diversity and culture is to see what the thoughts of the younger generation and if it was the same as mine being older. Her thoughts are the same and added she wished my parents raised us deeper into our culture. What is omitted from their answer to the question is how they were influenced by the dominant culture also if their parents altered their thinking and adopted any of the norms to fit in. The answers they gave me influenced me to continue to look into diversity and culture and to keep in the front of my mind to accept all differences and to put aside my biases.

My Family Culture

If I had to take three things that represented my family culture it would be seeds that represent plants that I use for cooking, family photos and cultural musical instruments. The seeds that I would bring will be used for our special foods that we make. I would bring this so that I can continue the richness of cuisine. I would also bring the photos of our family so that our children will not forget who they are and to show our future grandchildren their family pictures before the catastrophe. The musical instruments such as the small guitar that has four strings; it is called a quarto, which means four. This guitar has a special sound and when it is played all those who are Puerto Rican knows what instrument is playing. If I had only one to choose from it will be the family pictures. Pictures hold memories, so when you tell a story and show the picture it will form a visual that will keep those memories alive. The insight I have gained from this exercise is how important the pictures are to holding onto your culture. We can find spices and musical instruments, but the faces to the people you left behind or did not survive will carry on for generations.

When I Think of Research...

The insight that I have gained about research is all the preparation one needs to make sure that the research is reliable and trustworthy. Researchers have to choose a design and a method depending the subject or case study. I idea of research has changed because I was not aware of all the work that one has to do. Now when I read a case study or a research journal I will able to determine what method did the researcher use and if it is just and fair. My biggest challenge that I encountered was the understanding of the material and applying the information to my simulated research study. It was a humbling experience but worth all the time and effort. The importance of making sure that all information is correct will help the early childhood profession. The information that is gathered should be able to help the teachers, parents and professionals in different situations. I enjoyed the course. I wish we had more time to study more in-depth.