Blog 3

Phillip Massa

February 12, 2012

 Uy

Blog 3

                In our most recent meeting our class discussed the distinct differences of each multicultural student in the classroom. It was established that not only culture, but personal stories make each individual different in their own way. We as educators must be aware of the issues that our students are dealing with. It is most vital to do this because if we don’t, there won’t be a strong learning environment for that student. Weekly we discuss topics of culture, diversity, immigration, etc.  and I truly feel like I understand the theories and ideas fully. I was in fact so confident that I thought going to the Teen Coalition would be a piece of cake. Honestly I couldn’t have been any further from the truth. As soon as I entered the Lowell Community Health Center I completely froze. The first activity I was involved in was called AfroNation. The students were learning about African American culture and heritage. I can teach African history, but I honestly felt lost and couldn’t relate to the students. From the beginning I felt slightly awkward and thrown off. After the meeting of AfroNation I met with a Cambodian senior named Peter. He was intelligent, outgoing, and ambitious. However, he had a very common issue among second generation immigrants. We were going through his scholarship packet and it dawned on me that this bright individual was in a tough situation. As I asked him how his FASFA was going too turned on looked at me and said, “okay…my parents are having trouble getting their paper work.” He went on about how they didn’t understand the concept of a tax form and why the state needed to now their financial record to pay for their sons schooling. We study constantly the difference of students and all the hardships they go through, yet this was the closet I’ve ever been to a real experience. It was at that moment I realized how important we as educators are in the lives of our students. We can build them up or let them fall. We are as much invested in their education as they are. However, Peter’s educational career relied not on his smarts, grades, or extra circular activities. It all came down to his parents understanding of a form. A government issued form was going to prevent a student of the upmost intelligence from entering a four year college. It was disheartening to come upon a real situation were a student’s diverse background stood in their way as an obstacle. Although, this was a sad situation, it was a valuable learning experience. Each student truly has their own diverse story that makes them so special. This experience emphasized to me that it’s so vital that we connect with our students and understand who they are. I truly can’t wait to teach! I have to thank Peter for such a moving experience and can’t wait to return to the teen coalition.