"In diversity there is beauty and there is strength." -Maya Angelou
Diversity Experiences Study Abroad (Spring 2019 Rome): Italy, Vatican City, France, Belgium, Malta, Spain, and Portugal. I studied abroad in Rome, Italy and gained immense appreciation for the history and culture of the countries that I visited. Living abroad for four months opened my eyes to some of the struggles ELL students experience when moving the US. Ministry on the Margins I have volunteered over 20 hours of my time at the ministry. I spent many hours organizing and sorting various items to give to clients. I offered help to clients for shopping for food items, and completed other tasks to help. I spent two nights at dinner rehabilitation events, where I served and spent quality time with released prisoners. These experiences helped me understand the gravity of how socioeconomic background can affect a child who is trying to learn. Heaven's Helpers Soup Café I served and clean up after those in need of a meal and welcoming environment. I had many positive interactions with the families who came to this organization. One child bonded with me because we had the same name! Though, I also struggled interacting with inappropriate clients. This showed me the importance of admitting when I need help. God's Child Project I spent 7 hours at a family fair in Sertoma Park. I did free glitter tattoos on the children and spoke with parents as they passed through our booth. This experience helped me recognize the diversity of family life. Every family that came to my booth was unique. I saw how the child can both be positively and negativley affected in their every-day lives. Bowling with Adult Life ED I helped package and sell clothes for the Special Olympics Bowling tournament in Mandan, ND. I spent over an hour providing families and friends of the participants with clothing merchandise. I talked with the event organizer about the details which go into planning events. The Buddy Walk This is a walk to support people of varying ages with down syndrome. I joined the walk for an hour, interacting with members on the walk and their families. It was beautiful to see many people standing up for those with down syndrome and know that as an educator, I will have support and guidance while I strive to provide inclusive education for my students. Board Games with Adult Life ED The Adult Life ED group came to visit U Mary and I had the opportunity to play games with and interact with some of the members. We played board games for about 45 minutes to an hour.This experience opened my eyes to seeing the importance of inclusion. Talking with the boys helped me picture how I will relate to my students who have varying disabilties. |
(Study Abroad: Vatican City).(Ministry on the Margins).(Heaven's Helper's Soup Café).(Adult Life ED: Board Games). |