What resonated the most with me after such a hectic week, was the magnitude of accomplishments that could be achieved when people work together. After the first day, I was overwhelmed at how willing students, law enforcement, and members of the community were to engage, problem solve, and empathize for others. I was taken aback by so many problems facing American communities could be solved by listening to the stories of others, engaging everyone in a community, and giving everyone a feeling of purpose. Feeling that you have a place in your community and that others need you not only gives you a sense of belonging, but a sense of empowerment.
After our student session on Day 2, I was humbled by the willingness of our guests to hear our stories. I appreciated the culture of individuality that I experienced in the Hilliard district, and learned that students feel their best when they feel like themselves. To be afraid and try to restrict differences only alienates people and can lead to students falling down an unfortunate path.
After our session with educators on Day 2, we asked for all of the adults (Belgians and Americans alike) to fill in the following sentence:
I am committed to ________________________ in order to promote academic success and global citizenship.
Here are some responses that stood out to me:
To see a room full of adults from across the world brain storm ideas for the betterment of their students truly inspired me. We can truly learn and better ourselves and communities at any age.
Overall, we can achieve anything when we invest in amazing people. The work of social justice and engagement is not a restricted field, a responsibility regardless of profession. Advocate for others, speak up, confidently and clearly.
After our student session on Day 2, I was humbled by the willingness of our guests to hear our stories. I appreciated the culture of individuality that I experienced in the Hilliard district, and learned that students feel their best when they feel like themselves. To be afraid and try to restrict differences only alienates people and can lead to students falling down an unfortunate path.
After our session with educators on Day 2, we asked for all of the adults (Belgians and Americans alike) to fill in the following sentence:
I am committed to ________________________ in order to promote academic success and global citizenship.
Here are some responses that stood out to me:
- Personalizing instruction for every student
- BE PATIENT
- Promote open communication
- More opportunities
- Meaningful collaboration and purposeful learning
- Embrace diversity and encourage it
- Personalized instruction
- Whatever it takes
- Communication/service
- To accept the students with all their diversity
- Blended learning
- Self-growth
- Helping my students learn, wonder, and question what issues exist in countries around the world
- Individualization
- Open communication
- Team work
- Work harder on creating opportunities for learners to bring their whole self into our and their community
- Continue to be conscious of the cultural differences of our students
- Harassing Ameena (this was not Officer Burkitt)
To see a room full of adults from across the world brain storm ideas for the betterment of their students truly inspired me. We can truly learn and better ourselves and communities at any age.
Overall, we can achieve anything when we invest in amazing people. The work of social justice and engagement is not a restricted field, a responsibility regardless of profession. Advocate for others, speak up, confidently and clearly.