# data[].attributes.body
1) This work of art portrays my identity in many ways. First, it takes place in a gym. I am a PE and health major so this has slowly become a big part of my life. It includes textbooks to demonstrate how I am also a student. There is a volleyball net which describes how I play volleyball. There is a phone and headphones in the middle of the tree. I have always enjoyed listening to music. My family loves listening to music, so it is a big part of who I am. I believe that this AI generated image gives an artistic demonstration of who I believe myself to be.

2) It is important to understand my own identity before working with a diverse group of students, because it helps me understand my strengths and weaknesses as an individual. I know that I am kind and very flexible when it comes to making adjustments. This can come in hand when there needs to be changes made in the classroom (providing different equipment, changing instructional strategies, etc.). It also helps me know ways to build relationships with students. I love sports and music, so that can be a foundation when getting to know students.

# data[].attributes.body
1) How does this work of art portray your identity?

This work of art portrays my identity in multiple ways. I love traveling and experiencing new things and new places. I always challenge myself to step outside of my comfort zone. I have loved reading since I was a little kid, and have included some books in my artwork. I love staying active and enjoying the nice weather which is why I included the person going on a walk outside. Lastly I love listening to all different types of music, so I included the music notes.

2) Why is it important to understand your own identity before working with a diverse group of learners?

It is important to understand your own identity before working with a diverse group of learners because as the article states "adolescence is the period where we start to become independent and form life goals". Highschool is the time where students are starting to figure out what they want to do. If they have not figured their identity yet, how are they supposed to set goals to figure out what they want to do. Understanding my own identity will help me to better teach my future students about their identity in order for them to suceed.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.alternative_text
Books, staying active, traveling, colorful, music - artwork scene 

# data[].attributes.body
1) How does this work of art portray your identity?

This portrays me because I always want to keep growing, so it kind of looks like the girl is growing with roots, and there is a golden retriever, because my dog is such a big part of my life and there is books because I want to be a teacher and im a student and there is a volleyball and net because that is what sport I play and hope to coach one day!

2) Why is it important to understand your own identity before working with a diverse group of learners?

Understanding my own identity is important because it helps me recognize my biases, assumptions, and personal experiences that may influence how I view others. When I know who I am and where I come from, I am better able to listen openly to students whose backgrounds are different from mine. Self-awareness allows me to avoid projecting my experiences onto my students and instead meet them where they are.

# data[].attributes.body
How does this work of art portray your identity?

This work of art portrays in many different aspects. I am strong in my faith, and it's what guides me every single day. It's what I lean on the most to shape my identity. My passion is basketball as I'm a college basketball player. Then I also have a passion for coaching and working with kids. I preferably would love to coach basketball, so this image represents me very well.

Why is it important to understand your own identity before working with a diverse group of learners?

I think it's important to understand your own identity before working with a diverse group of students because it allows me who I can connect with right away and then also be able to find my weaknesses and be able to work on it so that I can be at my best to provide a safe and fun environment in the classroom.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.alternative_text
cross in the middle, basketball hoops in the backround and coaching 

# data[].attributes.body
This brilliant depiction encapsulates things that are really important to me. My faith in Jesus has always been a part of who I am, and it impacts everything I do. I also love to exercise and crocheting, which keeps me healthy and creative. I also think both of these activities keep my mind sharp. I am a red head, which I take great pride in because it is by far my most unique feature. I get it from both sides of my family which makes me love it even more.

It is important to understand your personal identity so you are aware of where your perspective is coming from. Since identity impacts our words, thoughts and actions so deeply, we need to be aware of it. If we know how important it is to ourselves, then we are more likely to respect it in others. Understanding my own identity can help me see areas where I need to grow in my understanding of students who have completely different upbringings. It can make me not hesitant but more intentional with my words and actions in order to respect all identities present in a classroom.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.alternative_text
A red headed teacher crocheting on a bible who is a leader and likes lifting weights

# data[].attributes.body
How does this work of art portray your identity?

This work of art represents who I am in several ways. The girl that is me in the art is wearing a singlet with Baker's name and colors on it. Coming to Baker has changed me in so many ways and has helped me grow in all aspects of life. The singlet and wrestling room are there because of how much wrestling has been a part of my life the past 8 years. Wrestling is what brought me to Baker in the first place. There is a portrayal of my fiance in the artwork. This represents me because he made a big move to another state so that I could stay in Kansas longer rather than leaving as soon as I'm done with the time at Baker. He is a huge supporter and the person I want to spend my life with, so it felt right to find a way to include him in the artwork. The cross is a representation of my faith. It is something I am still growing in, but it has already made a huge impact on my life. The music notes also represent this. A lot of the music I listen to since coming into my faith has been praise and gospel music. This music always makes me feel better and gets me in the mood to praise the Lord. The books are a representation of my identity because I have been a reader since I was little. While I haven't been much lately, mostly because of being busy with school, sport, and work, they are still a big part of my life.

Why is it important to understand your own identity before working with a diverse group of learners?

Understanding my own identity before working with a diverse group of learners is important because I'll know where my thoughts come from. It will help me to understand myself because then I can understand students who are similar to me, and work with students who are learning who they are. It will also help me understand my own biases that could affect the way I treat my students. Having an understanding of myself will help me work on those biases so that I don't treat students unfairly because of my own perspective.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a tattoo (that I created with AI and had tatted on me) on my calf of God holding the world. This work of art represents my identity because it emphasizes my faith. I truly believe that the world is in God’s hands. Whatever happens, whether it be poverty, illness, climate change, or war, God has the final say. This mindset has led me to live a life with less fear and anxiety. Since I know that I cannot do anything on my own, I can trust the Lord’s path. I believe that He will always protect me as long as I continue to obey Him. To obey Him means treating others with kindness. It means working hard in all that I do. And it means loving everyone, including my enemies. This piece of art represents who I am.

It’s important to understand my own identity before working in a diverse group of learners because it helps you have a home base on how you respond in certain situations. In my previous essay, I discussed a situation when a student cussed me out. If I did not know who I was, I might have yelled back or even cursed in return. But that is not who I am, and I know that is not who I am called to be. Because I understand myself and who God wants me to be for these children, I can remain calm, at peace, and respond with love. Instead, I said, “Sweetheart, I understand you’ve probably had a rough day. Let’s go take a walk and let off some steam, does that sound good?” The student looked at me like I was crazy, but his energy began to match mine, and he slowly relaxed. He realized that he may have stepped outside of his own character and identity as well. This experience made me reflect even more deeply on how understanding one’s own identity can help others discover theirs.

# data[].attributes.body
1.) How does this work of art portray your identity?

The First piece that shows my identity is studying/ doing homework, At the current moment being a student is basically all I've done my whole life. Particularly now studying to become an elementary teacher. The next piece I noticed was the image of me and a friend watching a movie together as at least once a week I end up watching TV or a movie with my roommates. Then I saw the headphones and phone playing music as you can often find me listening to all different types of music. Lastly I loved the touches on my name on the calk board and they bookshelf as those could very well be pieces of my future classroom.

2.) Why is it important to understand your own identity before working with a diverse group of learners?

By understanding my own identity I can help a diverse group of learners find their own identity. I can also then recognize what pieces of my identity the students can relate with to start building a relationship with and what pieces that the students would not relate with where I can share my experiences to further a relationship. Another part of knowing your identity would be knowing what might make you upset or frustrated you. If you are aware of these things you are less likely to react in front of children, especially if the thing that upsets or frustrates you is a cultural difference. You can also look at your own strengths and weaknesses to know what you are bringing into working with a diverse group of learners and what areas you will need to work on to support that diverse group of learners.

# data[].attributes.body
1. This picture depicts my identity in a few ways. The joy of the lady represents the light that Jesus brings to my life. The music in the air represents singing and music which is a big part of my life. The people in the drawing represent my love of being with people. My favorite thing in the whole world is to spend time with my family and friends. Finally, the picture is in 1950's time period because I love old things and am a very sentimental person. If I could visit any time period, it would be the 1950's.

2. It is important to know who you are and what makes you who you are. This is because it helps build confidence and assurance which can be very important in the classroom. Knowing your identity helps you become a better leader. It also provides a strong foundation when the world around can be pretty chaotic. Knowing your identity can also help you connect better with others, including students.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.alternative_text
an expressive drawing of a blonde woman hanging out and laughing with her friends. There is music in the air. She is dressed in 1950s period clothes

# data[].attributes.body
1) How does this work of art portray your identity?

This work of art portrays my identity in many ways. I tried to revolve this picture around musical things because music has always been a huge part of my life and now becoming my career. It shows her studying because I always want to know more and more every day, knowledge is power. There are lists and sticky notes all around because I am always trying to think ahead and cross things off of my to-do list. The lock screen has family and friends on them because I wouldn't be who I am today without their support.

2) Why is it important to understand your own identity before working with a diverse group of learners?

It's important to understand your identity so you know where you can relate to your students and where you might have to try and understand your students more. It's also important because the students are also developing their identity and will look up to others to help build their identity. It will also help me understand my own biases that might affect the way I teach my students and work on diminishing my biases. Knowing my identity will help with personal confidence and become a stronger leader in the classroom as well. I want to nurture a safe environment where my students feel comfortable to explore their identity and have pride in it.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.alternative_text
A white female with brown hair and glasses dressed in a comfy sweatshirt. She is studying her music homework with earbuds in her ear. She has her phone next to her with friends and family on her lock screen She has sticky notes next to her crossing things off the list. The background with piano, the light is warm. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
I chose to create a photo collage because I don't personally support the use of generative AI.

# data[].attributes.body
It is difficult to capture my entire identity in one visual, but I did my best to cover the parts of myself that are most important to me. Music takes up a lot of space, both in this image and in my life. It's something that is deeply important to me, and the connections that it has afforded me mean the world to me. There is a photo at the bottom of me and two of my friends that I had the pleasure of meeting because of our shared interest in music education. At the top left, you can see me conducting my students at their first concert, and at the top right, a photo that was taken of me at a Baker football game while I played in the pep band. There are others pictured, too; my sister is pictured at the top, and my pet rabbit (Waffles) is at the bottom right. The people that I surround myself with are precious to me, and I wanted to represent that with my visual.

In addition to those photos, I included the disability pride flag and the LGBTQ+ pride flag. Those aspects of my identity took a long time to discover, and an even longer time to accept. I feel those aspects take up less of my identity than some might think, but I share them because I believe that it's important to do so. It's important to know who we are, and to be visible so that those who need to see us know that they are not alone. Every student will have differences and similarities to me; part of making myself visible is so they can relate to me and learn empathy for the parts they don't relate to. More importantly though, I want to model for them what it looks like to be comfortable in their own skin, regardless of what others might think.

# data[].attributes.body
1. The picture has a school in front of me because that is where I am headed next. A plane that flies overhead because I love to travel and hopefully can teach overseas as well. She wears headphones because she loves to listen to music. She has books to represent her passion for learning and is suppose to have a water bottle because she only drinks water because she doesn’t like carbonation. There are suppose to be small enamel pins on her backpack; One of an airplane (travel)  , one of a cross(my faith), a tennis racket (my sport), a stack of books(my education), the Mexican flag(my heritage) and a rainbow flag(my sexuality), to represent different parts of my identity.

2. It is important for us to understand our identity before we go into teaching because the better you understand yourself, the better you can create boundaries and establish a routine that best suits ourselfs and people who may have similar traits as us. For example, if we know that we are an introvert, we might create our space to help introverts feel welcomed. Or if we tell our students where we're from, they might feel more comfortable because they are also from there, and now there is some sense of familiarity.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.alternative_text
A warm, realistic illustration of a Mexican American college student outside on a walk listening to music through headphones. A school is in front of her, and a plane flies overhead. Musical elements like musical notes surround her.  She walks with a history book,  a poetry book and a water bottle.  On her backpack she has a small enamel pin of an airplane , one of a cross, a tennis racket, a stack of books, the Mexican flag and a rainbow flag. 

# data[].attributes.body
1. This AI image represents my identity in powerful ways. It shows a young basketball coach holding a Bible, which reflects my confidence and strength in my faith. Faith plays a central role in who I am and how I live my life. As a college basketball player, I am committed to growth, discipline, and leadership both on and off the court. I hope to become a teacher and a coach who leads others with purpose, integrity, and faith.

2. Understanding my own identity is important because it helps me recognize my interests, values, and beliefs. It also reminds me that everyone has their own identity and perspectives shaped by their experiences. Being in a diverse setting allows me to reflect more deeply on who I am. At the same time, it gives me opportunities to learn about others and appreciate their differences. This understanding helps me connect with people more meaningfully, both as individuals and as students.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.alternative_text
a young basketball coach who is a christian carrying a bible

# data[].attributes.body
This picture depicts my identity because it shows a little girl fishing with her two parents. This describes me because it shows the unconditional love I have always received from my parents. This sense of safety, love, and caring is why I believe I try so hard to make everyone around me feel happy and loved. Fishing is an important part of this picture as well because it was something my parents would take me to do whenever I was stressed about not performing well enough in my sport or in the classroom. When you are fishing, you don’t have to overthink. This is something I want to try to learn about each one of my future students: finding the one thing that can calm them no matter what or how they are feeling.

It is important to understand your identity because when you do, you build a sense of respect for yourself. This is respect that you can’t show to others if you haven’t found it within your own personal beliefs, values and reasons for what makes you, you. It also helps you build much deeper and more meaningful relationships with those students. It allows you to want to get to know and help build their own identities. Lastly, I think one of the most important reasons is because we are people students look up to. Therefore, if we have a strong sense of identity, they are going to be able to recognize that and want to create that for themselves. Everything we do as teachers is being watched and picked up on. So, it is our job to make sure we are creating good habits, principles, and ideas for our students to look up to and copy.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.alternative_text
a picture of a little girl fishing next to her mom and dad

# data[].attributes.body
Kate Gifford

This work of art reflects my identity by showing two activities that are very important to me: reading and enjoying coffee or tea. I have always loved reading, and I usually keep a book close to me, which is why the person in the image is shown reading. The book represents my curiosity, love for learning, and appreciation for quiet moments. The coffee in the picture reflects my personality as someone who enjoys relaxing with a warm drink while reading or reflecting. Together, the book and coffee show who I am and how I find comfort, focus, and joy in simple routines.

Understanding my own identity before working with a diverse group of learners is important because it helps me recognize my personal interests, values, and habits. When I understand myself, I am better able to see how my experiences may differ from those of my students. This awareness helps me avoid making inferences and encourages me to be more understanding and respectful of different backgrounds. Knowing my identity also enables me to reflect on how my preferences and experiences shape my teaching. By understanding who I am, I can create a classroom that values and respects the identities of all students.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.alternative_text
give me a girl reading a book with coffee

# data[].attributes.body
1. I believe that this image represents me because of my love for reading. Reading has always been an escape for me, and I have found that when people read, they are happier. This image also shows the importance of loving reading when teaching students. I think showing your passion for things and how much you love your interests inspires people to care about theirs and figure out what they are. I am a person who likes to escape my problems, and finding a healthy way to do so has helped me care about my overall health more.

2. It is important to know yourself because you can't help others unless you've helped yourself. Recognizing things about your identity helps you to understand the differences in others and appreciate them. Something I recognize about myself is that while regardless of race, I can always relate to women, but I will never understand what it is like to be a woman of color and the battles that come with that. I have learned, in learning about myself, that knowing who you are creates empathy for others. When working with diverse learners, specifically, knowing your identity aids your students. Pretending to understand their struggles rather than listening to them and acknowledging your differences only hurts them and your relationship. You can't help people figure out who they are, or who they are meant to be, without knowing yourself.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.alternative_text
a fantastical realm covered in books inspiring reading amongst students

# data[].attributes.body
1. This picture represents multiple versions of my identity. It shows a woman in victorian period inspired clothing and sitting on an ornate wood carved porch which defines my passion for history especially my admiration for the craft of the 1890 victorian era. the football represents that I've worked in men's football for almost 7 football seasons. next to the football is a bible. I stand firm with my faith and i thank Christ every day for giving me the path to follow him and pursue my passions through him. Out in the fields are one of God's most beautiful creations and that is horses. I have two horses of my own and have loved them ever since i was a little girl.

2. It is important to know who you are as a person but most importantly as an educator. Energy feeds Energy, similar to Proverbs 27:17 iron sharpens iron, Men sharpens men. People often look to others that have similar interests or an overwhelming sense of confidence. Being secure in who you are can most definitely help a students and people find themselves but it is also important not to push a personal narrative onto someone else. It is also important to know my identity so i understand where my bias and places where i need to grow to better understand myself and others.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.alternative_text
create a brunette woman sitting on a historical victorian porch looking out on a horse farm, next to her is a football and a holy bible

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
1) How does this work of art portray your identity? This work of art portrays my identity by showing my interests in hunting, working out, faith in Christ, and golf. These elements represent important parts of my daily life and personal values. Hunting and golf reflect patience, focus, and discipline. Working out and staying healthy show my commitment to physical strength and well-being. My faith in Christ represents the foundation of my values and decision-making.                                                           2) Why is it important to understand your own identity before working with a diverse group of learners? Understanding my own identity is important because it helps me recognize my values and beliefs. This awareness allows me to respect students who come from different backgrounds and belief systems. It also helps me avoid making assumptions about others. As a future Physical Education teacher, self-understanding helps me create an inclusive and supportive environment. Knowing who I am makes me a fairer and more effective educator.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.alternative_text
drawa catroon of a guy golfing, reading a bible, with weights near by and animals like turkey ducks and deer in the back

# data[].attributes.body
1. This picture portrays my identity because it represents the two most important things in my life: family and football. This picture is of me on my signing day in high school with my family. This picture represents me because I'm surrounded by the family that shaped me and supported me while I chased my goals. I included this picture because as much as my family has shaped me, so has football and the life lessons I have learned along the way.

2. It is important to understand your own identity before working with a diverse group of learners because you must know your own strengths and weaknesses in order to help others understand there's. Being secure in who you are gives you a confidence that people can feel, and allows you to help others understand that they can be who they are as well.

# data[].attributes.body
This artwork portrays my identity because I have a strong faith with God. In this picture the tree is a representation of how strong my love for my family and God is. The cross and the bible represent my faith. The sun represents my bright personality. I like to think I am a very positive person and I think that this picture shows what matter the most in my life.

It is important to understand you own identity before working in a diverse aspect because you will know that you want people to understand and respect your identity the same way you should respect theirs. Though people may have differences we all bleed the same color and breathe the same air. In order to see others identities you have to know what matters to you. Though your identities in what form you may not be what forms others it is still important to respect their identity. Overall this helps us to understand what may be a strength and weakness that we can use in the classroom or grow on.

# data[].attributes.body
1)This AI picture identifies three major parts of who I am, my faith, my passion for wrestling, and my future career that I want to teach in physical education. Me standing on the wrestling mat symbolizes how sports have shaped my discipline and confidence, and more importantly, my resilience. Guiding my athletes and students on that mat shows my desire to coach the next generation, not just technique for wrestling, but character. Christ is included in this portrait because it represents my leadership that is deeply rooted with my faith in that I want my actions to model humility and compassion through Christ. Together, I think these elements communicate that teaching and coaching for me is not just about athletics or a student's health, but helping students grow physically, mentally, and spiritually.

2) Understanding my own identity matters to me because teaching is supposed to be rational. Where I know where my values, beliefs, and biases come from, I am better prepared to recognize how my expectations impact my communication and decision making for my classroom. Diverse students come from different backgrounds and have different motivations and challenges. They deserve a teacher that can meet any challenges they may face with awareness and respect. My self understanding will prevent me from assuming that all students learn and behave the same way.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.alternative_text
Picture me as a future PE teacher guiding his students but also doing it with Christ on a wrestling mat because I want to be a coach as well.