We all experience some type of “ism” in our lives.
My family was considered to be poor growing up and this impacted how I was
treated as a child. I was often times excluded from activities, because my family
did not have much money or because we were not in the same class as my peers.
This impacted who I was and the person I am today. There were a couple people
in my childhood who insinuated that I would never have anything or be anyone,
but there were many people in my life that believed in me and encouraged me to
follow my dreams. When I was young it was easier to believe the negative
things, but as I grew older I started to push aside all the negative messages.
Emotionally I was uncertain what I could do, but I felt I had to prove something
to others and myself. Socially I did not want to be in charge or stand out in
the crowd. I always wanted to make sure others were happy.
These messages impacted me emotionally, socially,
and cognitively. Reflecting on what I have learned helps me realize that the
different messages I received in my life impacted me in one way or another. The
messages and attitudes helped me be who I am today. Looking back on my own life
only confirms that the messages we send children and their families are very
powerful. I think the “isms” that I experienced have shaped me into the teacher
I am today with my students and their families. I know first-hand how it feels
to be judged on my class and gender. I think that is why I strive to not judge
my students or their families. I can relate to where they are coming from and I
try to encourage them. As a teacher, I have had many diverse students and
families in my classroom. I want to ensure that I consider where they are
coming from and what they have experienced. I want to consider what messages I
am sending my students and their families.
Marcie,
ReplyDeleteI really saw how you took the bull by the horns and sojourned on. I have a similar story. I was supposed to finish college early because I worked so hard. My mother and sister told me to come home early and I had only three semesters into my program. I came home to live with my mother’s choice of a man who was very abusive. I told my sister and mother that I wanted to work with children and help them. It took me years to go back to school after many bouts of community colleges and two abusive relationships. Today, like you, I am the only one in my nuclear family with a degree and now I am working towards an advanced degree. I guess like you, I always had it in me. The mother (my mother) died without any education and the sister (my sister) is struggling to get her undergrad degree at an advanced age. I am really inspired by your struggle and wish nothing but the best for your future.
Marcie,
ReplyDeleteI understand where you are coming from because I was from a low socio-economic family as well and I was made fun of for not having all of the "name brand" clothes or shoes. I can remember thinking that I couldn't believe that people put so much emphasis in what a name was. I was a kind person and I had always been taught that you should treat people the way you want to be treated. I also grew up with the same mind set. I was going to treat other people nicely regardless of who they were, what they looked like, or where they came from. It is so nice to hear that you took the experiences from your childhood and did not let them defeat you, but instead you became a better person because of it. I am certain that the children and families that have a chance to work with you are very blessed. Thank you for your post.