Where I Fit into Diversity

[Jalen Causey]

In terms of issues of diversity, I think that I’m the answer to the issues I’m about to bring up (which is very interesting and I’ll get into in just a second). The teachers present in the classroom are white women and the other visitor is a white person (not assuming their gender) and that might be just a bit alienating to the students of color in the class. I notice that the two black girls in the class love to engage with me (I have so many examples of how they like to interact with me in a way that is very individual for them – for one student specifically, I try to interact with her at the same capacity but I’m also aware that my way of being playful may not be the same for her). I’ve noticed that the students of color and those that may be LGBT or queer to whatever degree feel pretty comfortable asking me for help (though, in general, I think that all the students are becoming more and more willing to ask me for help on their assignments).

All of this confirms the readings that we’ve done in class that, overall, even if there is someone in the class that – personality-wise – you can connect with, it is still important to have someone that looks like or acts like you. Someone that reminds you of your own personal experience and you can connect with. This person that has a completely different background from the person that is normally in front of them may be able to relate the content in a new and innovative way that is refreshing for students. The teacher doesn’t really address this. I think she connects in the way she can, by asking the students about their lives and bringing in different things happening around the school as a way to relate with them. But this is not the same as, for example, having a guest teacher teach a different way of thinking of the inequalities they’re working on. At the same time though, this is not always feasible. It’s not always easy to get some person of color, or a person from a different background in general, to come to teach.

But I have become a part of their classroom. With all the identities I have, I have been helping them and trying to explain things in a way that makes sense to them. I am part of the solution. I find that so interesting to say the least, really understanding that I have now reached a position where I can tangibly impact those younger than me. It feels like such a heavy responsibility, but I find solace in the idea that I am helping to create a world where people feel safe and seen while they’re learning, in a way that I didn’t have.

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