In my time at Concordia, I have had many opportunities to be a part of experiences that have taught me about diversity. Three experiences that have greatly impacted my life and understanding are the poverty simulation, HIS Kid’s Camp at Camp Luther, and Club EDEFY at People’s City Mission.

The poverty simulation was definitely eye opening. I got to experience what it would be like to be in a situation where I had very little control and yet have so much to worry about. It was hard to focus on all of the things that were going on at once. As a teacher, I want to help students to find a release for this stress and help them to reach their personal goals along with the learning goals.

These pictures are from my experience at HIS Kid’s camp. It was an awesome weekend that taught me so much. I was there to help and go through the daily activities with my “buddy” at camp, or at least I thought. My “buddy” taught me so much about the power of positivity and caring without boundaries. I was able to assist as his voice to those who could not hear him and as someone to lean on. As a teacher, I will strive to teach and meet students where they are at, while continuing to learn from them. For more information about my experience at camp, please visit:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/12YPhtBWLAV_nU9Fp9Jvgi5sxSp01O3w36_4CnlQA3uo/edit?usp=sharing.

 

 

This video is a trailer from People’s City Mission in Lincoln, NE. I chose this video because it bests represents what I learned during my experience there. I found that so many people come from so many different situations. The kids that I worked with at Club EDEFY were so accepting and excited to have people who care enough simply to spend time with them. As a teacher, I hope to make an impact such as this on all of my students’ lives. I hope that they will know that I care for them and want them to succeed in all they do.

Diversity is never limited to one category. I have found that there are so many different forms that span across people’s lifetimes. I now know and have experienced that these are real things with real people involved. It does not confine to one gender, race, or background. We are all diverse regardless of our situations. As a teacher, I will strive to take this diversity and work with it rather than against it. I want to meet students where they are and help them to overcome whatever challenges they may face.