# data[].attributes.headline
My Role in Advocating for Solutions to Supply and Demand Issues (Mind Map)

# data[].attributes.subject
My Role in Advocating for Solutions to Supply and Demand Issues (Mind Map)

# data[].attributes.body
In our group’s Mind Map, the central issue of supply and demand highlighted how limited resources, increasing needs, and inequitable access affect children, families, and communities. In my professional role, I can advocate by helping bridge this gap, becoming part of the supply that responds to the demands students and families face. This includes seeking better systems, strengthening communication, and connecting families to resources that reduce barriers in education, housing, childcare, and mental health support.

Each time I grow professionally or refine my practice, I help build a stronger, more responsive network of support. My advocacy involves continually improving holistically so I can help create equitable access and meet the rising needs of the children and families I serve.

# data[].attributes.body
A common thread that stood out in the Photo Voice exhibits was a sense of connectedness. Even though everyone approached the activity differently, there was a shared experience of learning from one another. Many of us discovered that our contributions mattered more than we initially thought. The exhibits reflected how our daily routines, cultural backgrounds, and perspectives shape how we see issues and how bringing those perspectives together creates a deeper, more meaningful understanding.

From this collective insight, one important lesson I want to apply to future collaborations is recognizing the value of every person’s input. Even small contributions help move a group forward. Creating genuine connections, connections that support professional growth, trust, and open communication, makes collaboration more impactful. This experience reminded me that collaboration is not only about completing a task; it is about being present with others, listening, and building something stronger together.

Collaboration is essential in my discipline because education relies on shared responsibility. Teachers, administrators, specialists, and families all contribute to a child’s success, and none of us can do this work alone. Effective collaboration supports communication, problem-solving, and consistency for students. When educators work together with a common purpose, we create environments where children feel supported and can thrive.

# data[].attributes.body
My group's final mind was about the recent federal shutdown. I can advocate for solutions, speak up about the problems caused by federal shutdown and help people understand their effects on workers, public services, and the community. I can suggest planning ahead, sharing information clearly, and making sure important operations keep running. I can help reduce the negative impact of shutdowns and make things run more smoothly.

# data[].attributes.body
The common thread I notice is how everyone feel proud & happy at their work engagement. The experience gained through working with children create a unique space in caregivers heart & it becomes the part of life memorable moments.

During the future collaboration, we should respect & understand different perspective. Also, try to find the common interests & attittude on the subject & get engange in meaningful conversation.

Collaboration is important because everyone learn the best by working together. We get to share our feeling & thoughts during such colloaboration which helps to releive stress.

# data[].attributes.body
This photo shows a happy moment in my classroom. I am with my students, and we are all wearing fun animal headbands. This picture represents joy, connection, and the caring relationships we build every day. When I am with my students, I feel proud, supported, and motivated. Moments like this remind me why I love working in early childhood and how learning happens through play, smiles and togetherness.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
This candlelight shows peace and calm in my busy day. When I feel stressed, the soft light helps me relax and breath. It reminds me to slow down and take care of myself. Even a small can bring comfort and give me strength.

# data[].attributes.body
My group's final mind was about the cost of living. During our brainstorming session, we came across numerous great ways to advocate for the families and children we work with. I can advocate on these topics as a teacher by sending out information to families about resources within my community. I think my center could do a better job of having that information more accessible for the families we work with. I could add information to my monthly newsletter and encourage our director to also share these resources on our social media so people can access the information at any time.

# data[].attributes.body
After looking through the different pictures, it was clear that everyone noticed how people from various backgrounds and cultures were able to come together. I read a post that said someone was able to work with people that they other wise would not have had a chance to meet or work with. That is something I also agree with. I also saw a couple of pictures of puzzles pieces fitting together. I think it was a common theme to see everyone come together to complete this project as a group. I can apply this in my future by not shying away from working with others, as I got to hear so many great ideas from the people in my group and through discussions. Collaboration is important in my field as everyone is always learning something new and you never know when you can help someone or someone can help you!

# data[].attributes.body
The most meaningful part for me was learning from everyone's different ideas. Working together helped me see how teamwork cam makes the project stronger.

I learned that i am more open to new ideas than I expected. I can adjust quickly, take responsibility, and help others when needed. I also needed that I feel comfortable sharing my ideas when the group feels supportive.

Collaborating with people from different cultures was a really good experience. I got to learn how others think and how their backgrounds shape their ideas. Watching other groups work was inspiring. It showed how teamwork can create many different ideas and solutions. It also helped me compare and think about what our group did well and what we could improve.

# data[].attributes.body
This is my student's favorite song in our classroom.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Kindness by The Juicebox Jukebox - Be Kind Kids Song Childrens Music New World Kindness Day

# data[].attributes.body
The collaborative process was meaningful for me because it helped me see a bigger picture. When we created our mind maps, everyone shared ideas from their own cities and experience. I was mainly thinking about childcare, preschool access, and early learning needs. But others other ideas like transportation problems, housing costs, and community financial problems.

I learned that I am more open new ideas than I thought. I also learned that i feel confident sharing my thoughts when the environment is positive and encouraging.

Collaborating interculturally was a valuable experience because I got to understand different backgrounds, communication styles, and ways of thinking. Observing other groups outcomes was inspiring. It showed me how different ideas and teamwork can lead to unique results. It also helped me to reflection what our group did well and what we could improve.

# data[].attributes.body
This picture is of students working together voicing, strategizing create a house with animals together. I took this picture representing how collaboration is resourceful and positive to me. I feel together we make better choices because we have the chance to hear others perspective whether we agree or have a difference of opinion. In the end we are all working together for a better outcome.

# data[].attributes.body
I took this picture because I felt it represented diversity, from the different colors illustrated in the picture, Showing how different lenses can mean strength, risks, personalities and cultures, along with voice within the same area. In addition I felt it represented that voices matter and together collaboration we can be strong and creative.

# data[].attributes.body
Like students with Autism, they have a lot of supporters to back them with the available programs at their disposable. Same is said by the programs that were shared among the students from City U and from the NMU students. We found each state has similiar programs but having different names. Our locations may be different but we all have the same problems in varying degrees of situations.

# data[].attributes.body
The Padlet collaboration was like these children working together to build something great by working together to make great things come together by sharing our knowledge and learning from each other one lesson at a time.

# data[].attributes.body
Review the recording of our time together. Poll responses are posted below in the comments.

# data[].attributes.body
Being an on-line student you don't get much interaction with other students. Having the collaboration with City U has been nice to share what programs are available in our different locations, the community involvement in some areas that are also similiar. You learned to juggle the different time zones when planning the different zone calls, schedules of others not always aligning with convenience. Working with others has been nice when you need to ask for help with technology they have been a great help. To collaborate interculturally helps to get different takes on some situations that

had you not learned from them you may not had ever learned about about it or the program. It was neat to see all of the different ways and thoughts that went into the MindMaps outcomes.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a view of the Seattle skyline. A little throwback to the initial call where all of shared about where we lived, our commutes and represented the first step of our journey together this quarter.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a photo I took while in new mexico for break. I think this accurately reflects the COIL collaboration process this quarter. Like Jesse and Walt, it wasn't always a smooth journey, but we all got it done (:

# data[].attributes.body
This has been a favorite quote of mine for quite some time. Every so often it enters my mind and reminds me that I am the only one in my way. Collaborations are not my strong suit, but I am brave enough to enter in and share what I can!

# data[].attributes.body
The first picture I chose was this one. This picture is the thought I have with collaboration. One thought to the next with partner and team work to complete the assignments.

# data[].attributes.body
I think the part that felt most meaningful to me with the collaborative process is the part of working with others on each assignment and getting to know each other. It was never just about lets chat on zoom and get the assignments done and then we never speak to each other again. In my group we would have group chats discussing assignments but also checking on each other with our daily lives.

What I have learned about myself is how patient I can be. I have always been patient when it comes to daily tasks or work. But when we meet on zoom it might be a week after the assignment is already posted, and I want to start it right away but I couldn’t because it was a group assignment to work with others.

I have always been a leader and a group worker but I do love working independently at times and getting work done on my own time. I really did enjoy working with others as well as learning everyone's different needs or how to support them when we would collaborate all of our own thoughts and ideas together. I really enjoyed being able to work with others to accomplish working and experiences, or even learning about others while going to different colleges working towards the same goals and outcomes.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a song I share with my kiddos in my kindergarten class that promotes diversity, kindness, and empathy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Thankful by The Juicebox Jukebox | Gratitude Appreciation Kids Songs Music Thanksgiving

# data[].attributes.body
Individual Reflective Journal: Module 4

The most meaningful part of the COIL collaboration process for me was bringing together diverse backgrounds and skills of other people.  It was interesting to hear others perspectives and experiences and how our domains overlap but also are similar.

During this COIL collaboration process I have learned how intrigued I am about how others think and live.  I have always been fascinated with culture in general, but as I get older it inspires me to put the meaning of how we actually grow from one other if we let ourselves.

I have learned through this process that it is important to understand and respect who you are working with during a collaboration.  In doing this you are promoting the wonderful things about culture whether it is someone’s material objects, ideas, values, and attitudes.  I truly value everyone’s culture within my COIL group.

When you are collaborating interculturally, you are respecting the diverse group of values, attitudes, and behaviors.  You are adapting to norms that are not your expected behaviors.  It is important that everyone on the team feels they are being heard and all solving problem strategies are valued.

When you are collaborating across disciplines, you are doing all of the above and all domains understand they bring a different set of views and strengths when coming together to complete a common goal.

This collaboration portrayed the importance of getting to know people to build trust and remove all stereotypes to move ahead to collaborate on a project such as COIL.

It was inspiring to get the experience to observe the outcomes of other collaborations.  It painted the picture of how people can come together genuinely and make a difference. It was empowering how both the disciplines overlapped in many areas.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a picture of a background of a bulletin board in my classroom. It reminds me of how grateful I am to have had this COIL experience and continue my inspiration to collaborate with diverse groups to make this a better world.

# data[].attributes.body
This mushroom reminded me of the collaboration process in that as a whole it is a mushroom but its spots are diverse parts of what makes it whole much like a collaboration process of COIL. We are much like the spots on a mushroom during our COIL collaboration. We came together with diverse background coming together as a whole with a goal in mind.

# data[].attributes.body
Collaborating online with group members from Washington and Michigan across the disciplines of education and counseling has been a meaningful part of this course. What stood out most was how quickly a sense of shared purpose formed, even though we came from different regions, professions, and personal backgrounds. Our perspectives didn’t always align at first, but those differences became the source of our best ideas. I realized that I value collaboration that feels like a conversation rather than a task, where listening matters as much as contributing.

Through this process, I learned that I’m more adaptable than I expected. Working with varying communication styles, schedules, and disciplinary lenses pushed me to be clearer in my own thinking and more intentional in how I show up for others.

At first our collaboration required patience, but soon it became energizing. I found that when we took time to understand each other’s contexts, educational systems, counseling approaches, regional influences, our work became richer and more grounded.

Observing the outcomes of other groups’ collaborations reinforced these insights. Even with similar tasks, each team produced something unique, shaped by their backgrounds and group dynamics. It reminded me that collaboration isn’t just about completing a project; it’s about the process of weaving together diverse perspectives to create something none of us could have produced alone.

# data[].attributes.body
This gravel road or  “back road”, represents what I valued most about collaborating with peers from Michigan and Washington. The path wasn’t perfectly smooth, but we kept moving forward together. This project brought people from different backgrounds, disciplines, and perspectives together and made the journey meaningful. Every contribution helped guide us down a shared road toward our goals. Our group did have a little laugh after discussing  what “back roads” meant to those in rural Michigan and those in urban Washington which is why I originally thought to use a photo that incorporated a rural Michigan “back road”.

# data[].attributes.body
This photo is from my view of following my daughter along a wooded trail which makes me reflect on our intercultural collaboration between my group members from  Michigan and Washington. Just as hikers navigate a path together, each bringing different perspectives, strengths, and ways of seeing the landscape, our work across education and counseling required trust, listening, and learning from one another as we moved forward toward a shared common goal.

# data[].attributes.body
This photo reminds to slow down and be mindful. I’ve learned that even when the lights are out from a snow storm power outage, we are forced to slow down. I don’t need or want to be forced to slow down, I want to enjoy the experience on my own terms. It is okay to have boundaries and to protect my peace. At this moment I was working on my Teachet Resouce Guide, and lost internet access. Even though I felt the need to hurry and feel anxious, the universe told me to stop and take a beat. So I did, and have since not turned on big lights, noise, or any distractions. I can choose the peace I allow in my life.

# data[].attributes.body
Working together across disciplines has allowed multiple students of mine to grow this semester. I was very hesitant to implement "one more thing," for each child but these relationships and ideas have made my school days far more manageable. I am working on becoming more open minded in ideas for supporting struggling students in the classroom. Without collaborating across disciplines- I would not be seeing the same growth from these kiddos.

# data[].attributes.body
This photo was taken in my classroom. I pride myself on creating a loving classroom environment where kiddos genuinely care for one another. I felt our zoom meetings for coil were such a good way to relate with one another and vent about the struggles of motherhood and master's program work. When you have a supportive community - it makes the struggles much easier to work through.

# data[].attributes.body
The most meaningful part about this collaborative process has been working with my classmates over zoom. The conversations and collaboration have emphasized just how interconnected our fields are. We cannot teach without maintaining emphasis on a child’s mental health. In transitioning to Kindergarten I have seen the push for MORE academics. More assessments, more content driven instruction, and more technology usage. I am grateful for this course as it has grounded me in early childhood developmentally appropriate practice. I have learned that no matter what is thrown at me- I am strong enough to take it and break it down into manageable chunks for my students while still offering play and meeting their social emotional needs. Collaborating across disciplines both through the COIL experience and in the classroom helps remind me how important this is. I believe we all bring such an important piece to a child’s experiences. As a general education teacher with 28 students, all with varying needs, I can get caught up in the expectations and everything that comes along with managing a classroom. The social worker in my building can come in and focus on one child individually and provide specific strategies and create a motivation chart that I simply would not have time to make. I find that these days I tend to get frustrated with these suggestions because it honestly can feel like “one more thing.” The expectations placed on classroom teachers and service providers in schools are impossible to meet today. The bottom line is that we need each other in order to provide the best care for our kids. We all bring something to the table and we all have unique experiences and ideas that make for great collaboration.

The coil reflective activities have shone a light on how far I have come in my own life. I grew up with many adverse childhood experiences and those who do not know me well would have no idea. Dominantly, I have many characteristics of a white, privileged female that were developed in adulthood. I recognize through this coursework that this could have been far more challenging to accomplish if I were born another race or ethnic group.

As far as how I work with others, I  noticed I am an organizer and a planner. I initiate collaboration and conversation. In that same regard, I also tend to control the group’s outcome in doing this. I have one idea in mind and then I am thrown off when it is changed. I see this in my own classroom and at home as well. I tend to create this big picture in my mind and then (without vocalizing it) expect everyone to know and follow the plan.I am actively working to be more open minded and vocal in my collaboration with others.

# data[].attributes.body
This second photo was during free time when the school-age students were on break. Some of my students were able to work together and build a fort that they were interested in and it was intriguing to know that they built it, so other toys would combine together. This photo also resonated with me due to the teamwork and collaboration from each student and having a similar connection with my collaboration with the Michigan students working on the mind map to know which issue that is most common in Seattle and Michigan.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Celebrating our hard work at a Childcare Center!

# data[].attributes.body
This photo is a delicious cake at my work, while there was a water pipe situation at the original location, me and my co-workers were able to collaborate and work together with students being able to share plans and ideas in the classroom. This picture resonates with my collaboration with the Michigan students because of the teamwork and effort that I was able to experience and sharing ideas that are in common, but pulling it off at the end with great success.

# data[].attributes.body
I'm a huge fan of trying new things, as represented by this product of my foray into whittling this summer. These COIL projects were often challenging and sometimes frustrating, but I'm always glad to have the experience of trying something new, especially using creativity.

# data[].attributes.body
My friends and I bonded with some strangers from Uzbekistan while in line for a haunted house. This represents how it felt to work crossculturally for this project as there's nothing like a shared experience to create a quick bond between people of different backgrounds. Truly, we survived.

# data[].attributes.body
The collaborative process was challenging and interesting at times. The moments when my team and I were able to directly compare and contrast cultures across Michigan and Seattle over video calls was probably the most meaningful part to me personally. I remember asking about the “non mitt” part of Michigan, and learning that they call it the “Upper Peninsula”. This led to a good discussion about the different cultures found in the more rural parts of the states.

One thing I learned about myself was a skill I have for clearly defining problems before tackling solutions. Working with a team requires getting on the same page about the requirements of the assignment, and with some of the more vague prompts I was able to ask leading questions to the group to help us develop a good grasp on what we were doing. I felt like my team all equally contributed, and one thing that was cool to see is people contributing according to their specific skills in different areas, where we had different people typing, brainstorming, and designing at the same time.

There were many ways in which our cultures compared and contrasted, with the geographical distance as well as the more rural Michigan settings as compared to urban settings in Seattle. We found more similarities than differences in our first mind map project, for example, but that only made the ways in which we contrast more interesting. Working more with people who were focused on children as opposed to general clinical mental health counseling was interesting, as they always had a much more child-focused viewpoint. Working with several parents was interesting in this light too, as many of their observations came from firsthand experience.

It was cool to see the other teams’ outputs, especially seeing how things like our mind maps compared and contrasted. We all chose relatively similar topics, so it was cool to see how different the interpretations could be. It’s always fun to see creativity on display as well, so I appreciated some of the aesthetic choices that were made by the other teams.

# data[].attributes.body
Collaborating interculturally is always fun. I enjoy hearing about where people live and how it is different from where I am living. Collaborating across disciplines takes some work because there are definite differences to sift though. If there is a connection between disciplines it is easier to have successful outcomes.

# data[].attributes.body
What was meaningful about the collaborative process was getting a small glimpse into other adult professionals' lives. Hearing that the struggles in early childhood education are universal, not just in my area. There is comfort in knowing difficulties are shared and not carried by a few. Lol.

# data[].attributes.body
The most meaningful part of the collaboration for me was meeting others who are also going through this process of going back to school at a different stage in life. I have a lot more confidence that I had before in achieving this goal for myself.

# data[].attributes.body
This is how I feel how our collaboration. I work in Unified Robotics, and the "opposing" teams have to work together to defeat the obstacles. Not that we are opposing but I think this encapsulates how fun it can be to work together for the main goals even when meeting for the first time and with a lot of trial and error.

# data[].attributes.body
What was meaningful about the collaborative process was getting a small glimpse into other adult professionals' lives. Hearing that the struggles in early childhood education are universal, not just in my area. There is comfort in knowing difficulties are shared and not carried by a few. Lol. I learned that I do not like to work on a project with others while on zoom. I did appreciate having others to work with for the Mind Maps since those were not my favorite. I found it very easy to let others lead with those.

Collaborating interculturally is always fun. I enjoy hearing about where people live and how it is different from where I am living. Collaborating across disciplines takes some work because there are definite differences to sift though. If there is a connection between disciplines it is easier to have successful outcomes. If the question is, “what is it like to observe the outcomes of the other small group collaborations”? I don’t have a feeling or thought about it, really. I was focused on all the other things going on. And I was just happy when each assignment was done.

# data[].attributes.body
The COIL experience alllowed me to feel connection. It can be so easy to become lost in the bubble of my life and be overwhelmed with everything that is happening around me. Connecting with students in another program demonstrates that even though there may be slight differences in the programs, the outcome remains constant and hopeful. We are small yet vast, just like a Great Lake. We are inspired by hope and determination for a better world and future, but we also know that we are capable of making significant progress. I became more confident in my ability and the experience left a meaningful impression on my first graduate student experience.

# data[].attributes.body
What has been most meaningful about the collaborative process is realizing that the barriers we imagine, distance, time zones, different programs, or other perspectives, are mostly personal. Once we started working together, I saw how smoothly collaboration can happen when there is respect and a shared goal. When all members are working toward the same purpose, the outcome reflects everyone’s contributions.

I also learned a lot about myself through this process. I realized that the unknown still makes me hesitate, but once I pushed past that feeling, I found myself genuinely enjoying the exchange of ideas. I loved hearing different perspectives and discovering how our experiences, from our routines to our cultures, shape the way we think. I was reminded that I bring my own experiences and background to the conversation, and that these parts of me add value to the group in ways I hadn’t fully acknowledged before.

Working with others reminded me to be mindful of people’s time, to respond promptly, and to show appreciation for every effort. Hearing about my partners’ daily lives, their commutes, the way they experience their mornings, their cities, made me reflect on my own routine, too. I learned to value the little things we shared and the differences that made each of us unique. I believe that no contribution is ever too small; everything counts. Collaboration depends on open-mindedness, kindness, respect, and the soft skills that make people feel seen and valued.

Working interculturally and across disciplines felt meaningful and inspiring. It reminded me that culture, language, personal history, and professional background all shape how we see the world. We each brought a piece of our community into the conversation, and those cultural perspectives enriched our ideas and helped us build something more complete. Even though we came from different states and different fields, our goals connected us.

Seeing the advocacy mind maps from all the groups, including my own, helped me notice how many of our ideas connected. Even though we came from different places and brought different lived experiences, many of us approached advocacy in similar ways. At the same time, each group had its own way of showing how issues relate to strategies, which made the connections even richer. It showed me how intercultural collaboration helps reveal perspectives or solutions that one group alone might not see, leading to stronger and more thoughtful outcomes overall.

# data[].attributes.body
This image symbolizes what it felt like to collaborate interculturally and across disciplines, connecting with classmates in Seattle while I was in Michigan, bridging not only distance but also different backgrounds and viewpoints. Hearing about their daily lives, their city, and their programs expanded my understanding of how our disciplines intersect and support one another. It reminded me that behind every professional role is a human being, and meaningful collaboration begins with seeing and valuing that humanity.

# data[].attributes.body
The most meaningful part of the collaborative process was that it opened my eyes to a way of learning that I was initially skeptical about. I have never been a fan of working with others. That sounds terrible, but being on the autism spectrum, it has been an extra challenge for me in my schooling career. Now that I am gaining better skills that merge with and around my "people skills", I'm finally feeling comfortable in my own skin... at 50! I was pleasantly surprised with my ability to work with my small group. We all settled upon a common identity of being a cross-discipline group that is collaboratively working on making this world a better place! When looking at and reading other collaborations within this PADLET experience, it is apparent that we are all somehow on the same page.

# data[].attributes.body
This photo captures what was most meaningful about the COIL collaboration: working together across distance and time zones, and across different academic programs, while respecting each person’s contributions. Our group created a space where every voice was valued, and where listening, sharing, and learning from one another shaped the outcome. This experience reminded me how collaboration becomes stronger when we honor each other's perspectives and work toward a common goal.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Waterford Together Festival Organizing Team

# data[].attributes.body
I found the collaborative process between Michigan and Oregon to be one of connectedness and comfort. We all agreed that we are working to make this world a better place with the work that we do.

# data[].attributes.body
I have found that the most meaningful part of the collaborative process is the chance to connect with others from another state. I have worked on many group projects I have never had a group that was easy to work with. I got a chance to look at the issue we have discussed in a different way.

I have learned that I missed some obstacles that families have faced, due to the fact that I have not experienced it myself. It has the importance of paying attention to what's going on in the world because it may not affect me directly but it can directly affect my children  and their families.

I learned that I am a person that will be the first to email my group and see when everyone can meet. I am just not that person that wants to lead the discussion. I will absolutely contribute to what we are talking about but I just don’t want to lead anymore as I have gotten further into school. I learned that working together in a collaborative process opens the door to new ideas. When others in your group ask questions it can help brainstorm further into the topic at hand. Ideas that I would have missed otherwise.

I enjoy learning about other cultures that open my eyes to different perspectives that I will use in my classroom.  We have a family in my class that have the same background. It was enlightening to learn how they feel about their own name because we then talked about our childhoods in which we both experienced different things. In group discussions, we talked about the immigration problems that some of our students face today.

To observe other’s collaboration came out so detail was encouraging to see. It shows to me that my peers work hard to see the problems with our systems. The ability to see the issues in our profession gives us an opportunity to help those who need us in better ways than if we didn’t.

# data[].attributes.body
I think what has been meaningful about the collaborative process was learning about the different environments that my group members were sharing. I think learning about the different environments from my group members was fascinating to hear because of certain tax brackets in Michigan and having affordable housing than Seattle. When me and my group members were working on our mind maps, there were different topics that we were discussing such as affordability and crime, but when it came to crime in Michigan, it was more talked about than Seattle. In Seattle, citizens are worried about housing and affordability, so talking about these topics with group members from Michigan was great to talk about.

I think what I have learned about myself was listening to what others had to say because I wanted to learn more about the students from Michigan that I am collaborating with and understand the differences between Seattle and Michigan. In the first week of meeting my group members, some of them mentioned that they have seen a lot of deers in their neighborhood, which I found shocking because in Seattle, there are barely any deers, unless if you are going up north or if you are hiking, so that was interesting to know.

I think what I have learned about how I work with others is my use of communication. Even though, there was certain moments of silence, I was able to maintain a conversation with my group members and as I was communicating more, they started to open up and try to pitch ideas for our mind map. Most of the times, it would be off topic, but I try to circle back onto what we are doing with any ideas for our mind map.

I think what was it like to collaborate interculturally was interesting because during week one of our COIL conversations, we were able to talk about certain traditions that we do during the holidays and how it is important to our family traditions. When it comes to across disciplines, our intercultural perspectives do play a part in our everyday lives, but my group didn't really talk about how our family traditions works across disciplines, but it did parallel to our jobs and school lives during assignments or tasks.

I think what was it like to observe the outcomes of other collaborations was great to read because it was showing a lot of versality within different groups and explaining a lot of topics that they were talking about. Reading the mind maps of different groups also showed different points and perspectives that each group had to share when it comes to similarities in issues in their city or state.

# data[].attributes.body
This collaborative work can relate to sunrises. We all have work to get done, so does the sun. We all have barriers; the sun has clouds. Some days it is hard to collaborate due to our own day, schedule, or plainly working with others. The sun does not come out everyday, but when it does, it gives us something fantastic to witness, just like our group.

# data[].attributes.body
Working across disciplines, states, and time zones was difficult, and I would even say messy to start. This brought similarity to my love for bread-making. It is a disaster at the beginning, then it comes together. Finally, you have the choice for it to be bread, or something pretty like a pumpkin! Our group could have done these projects with minimal effort, but we chose to make our projects matter to us!

# data[].attributes.body
Something that I loved about this collaborative process was learning the connection between our communities, no matter the distance. At times, people tend to dig into the differences of communities and cultures, but there is something beautiful about finding similarities, with their small differences. Through this process, I learned that I have a lot more listening to do. This is always a goal of mine, as it is all students, but this taught me a lesson in observing and learning from it. I learned that I need to be patient with my colleagues, to myself and them. I love to be on top of projects, and complete them as soon as I can. When working with multiple colleagues, across time zones, that is not possible. This group work showed me how to work with others paces, as well as not rushing a project. It was very cool to collaborate across disciplines. Some of my favorite conversations I have with my brother (getting master's in education) are discussing situations within our workplace (same school). We have such different perspectives and outcomes goals, yet are able to come together to create a conclusion. That is the experience I had with my group, and I loved the respectful conversation with valid goals on either side. I really loved the mindmap projects as we got to see many topics, as well as the deep thought put into each. Through my group, I know that each bullet point was a discussion and coming together for a conclusion, and I can see the same from other groups. It is great to know that when we collaborate, beautiful ideas can come from it.

# data[].attributes.body
This photo illustrates the closed-mindedness that biases hold against children and their families. Some people look to better themselves and help children without bias. This experience highlighted the importance of understanding and supporting children and families. My group was fantastic and brought great insights from our different backgrounds when creating the mind maps.  We discussed ideas I would not have thought of otherwise.

# data[].attributes.body
Photo 1: I captured an image of my area using Google Maps. What I value most from this experience is having the chance to connect with people from Seattle and discuss my area. It was interesting to talk about the different places we each live. Every location has its challenges and strengths, but we all agree that there is potential for improvement if people are willing to do the work to make changes.

# data[].attributes.body
This second image represents what it is like to collaborate across disciplines. I took this photo from my computer but wanted it to show the "waiting for host to add you to meeting". I found that there was difficulty in finding time to communicate synchronously and we dealt with some struggles of video communication.

# data[].attributes.body
This is an image from my workplace that describes the meaningful aspect of this COIL experience. Even though we are from different educational backgrounds, we are still able to come together and contribute to a common goal.

# data[].attributes.body
I picked this picture because collaborating interculturally felt a lot like this moment, pausing to look beyond what I know and opening myself to new perspectives. Just like my kids watching the planes take off, I learned to approach each partner with curiosity and openness. This experience helped me see how much we can grow when we explore the world beyond our own lens.

# data[].attributes.body
Photo 1: This picture is from the 4th of July. This picture represents how collaborating with students from Seattle gave moments of light during the busy semester. From our shared discussions, kindness, and willingness to navigate time zones, a genuine sense of connection emerges. This collaboration reminded me that meaningful learning can happen well beyond the classroom walls.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a photo of my prized possession at work: a board of all the artwork drawn for me by my clients. I believe it represents the spirit of collaboration across disciplines and interculturally because of the beautiful differences and approaches seen in the art. In a way, all of these pieces of art represent creativity and fun, which shows up differently for each person. Together, these pieces of art create something new, something that would not exist without each and every piece being unique. Intercultural collaboration and cross-disciplinary work are exactly this phenomenon.

# data[].attributes.body
This photo is from the parking lot in the complex where I work. I found it symbolic of my biggest takeaway from this COIL project: meeting people who I would otherwise not have had a chance to. It is mix of luck and circumstance that gives anyone the chance to encounter another person, just like a parking lot where you may randomly meet someone for no reason at all. Meeting Ashley, Betsy, and Clara Rua was the best thing that came from this project and I am grateful to have worked alongside them this quarter!

# data[].attributes.body
This picture, which I took of the beautiful Washington coastline, represents the cross-cultural collaborative experience our team had. The waves of our team members' cultures, disciplines, motivations, and ideas crashing against each other and the rocks.

# data[].attributes.body
This picture of my dog as we climb a foggy Washington mountain represents the meaning I have found through this COIL experience. The slope is steep, and the trail ahead is obstructed by fog.

# data[].attributes.body
1. One thing that was meaningful about the collaborative process this quarter was the increased understanding of how conflicting schedules, incentives, and motivations can profoundly impact collaboration quality.

2. I have learned that while I do not prefer to take the lead, I will do so if I feel that it is necessary to complete the project.

3. I have learned that when I do not feel the group energy or the discussion is productive, and I know the collaboration is short-term and relatively inconsequential, I am willing to put in much more effort to complete the task rather than try to fix the group dynamic at the last minute. This is especially true when scheduling conflicts severely limit how much time we can spend working together.

4. I did not notice many cultural differences within my group that I have not encountered in other culturally diverse settings in the United States, such as large public universities or simply living in large urban environments. Cultural differences were perhaps made more apparent by our norms and understanding of how teamwork and collaboration should unfold, as there was no consensus on how collaboration should take place; work was not distributed evenly, and participation in discussions was quite uneven. Teamwork quantity and quality decreased significantly as we progressed through the modules, likely due to conflicting cultural understandings of our roles within the team. It was interesting to hear perspectives on systemic issues from people more enmeshed in the education system, and I learned about programs and schooling structures I was unfamiliar with before this quarter.

5. It is interesting to see how vastly different outcomes and processes were between various groups. The outputs posted for each group were remarkably similar, reflecting common understandings of shared problems across the country. This was especially interesting after comparing classmates' experiences with how different the collaboration experiences in each group were.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a photo of the calendar in my classroom. This represents what was meaningful to me in this process. While learning how to advocate and brainstorm ideas, making time to meet with one another as a group was an easy process. The people in my group made it a point to show up, do their part, and work together to schedule times to meet even when we ran into needed to change times.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a picture of Lake Michigan. This photo represents to me what it was like to collaborate with students from another state. This represents where I am from, which is obviously different than Washington! It was very neat to learn about how students live differently and what they see where they lives.

# data[].attributes.body
One of my favorite lessons for groups using CBT and Mindfulness for school-aged children.

# data[].attributes.body
I used this resource quite a bit during COVID in my Middle School for classroom/staff lessons.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Preparing for Cultural Diversity: Resources for Teachers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How can teachers prepare for diverse classrooms? There isn’t a definitive answer, but there is a wealth of resources online. Discover some helpful links for teachers.

# data[].attributes.body
We collaborated and got to know each other on a personal basis. I enjoyed our meetings and even though we are miles away, we still are under the same moon!

# data[].attributes.body
The iconic Space Needle was something I got to share about my geographic location. I enjoyed hearing about Michigan and their Great Lake, beautiful forests, and country roads. These experiences are all different, but they are also what makes us unique.

# data[].attributes.body
This photo shows how I feel about the COIL experience as a whole. I feel like as a whole, each one of us is a puzzle piece, and when we came together for this experience, we became a whole puzzle. This experience allowed us to work together to strengthen our connections and build upon each other's knowledge. I was nervous about the group work, but after meeting with my group, I felt like the way we worked individually all came together in a great way, and allowed us to form our own puzzle that worked the way we needed it to. Each one of us has something to offer in class and in the world, and being able to see us all come together in this experience and learn together despite the distance was an awesome experience.

# data[].attributes.body
This experience reminded me a lot of COVID times, and when we had to do everything from a distance and from home. However, this experience felt different in the best ways possible. I felt very connected to my group members throughout this experience, even though we had only met virtually and communicated through email chains, and I felt like I was actually able to collaborate and learn. It was clear that the people in my group wanted to be here and fully participate, and that made all the difference for me. Even though this was distance learning, I feel like I am still walking away with new perspectives and knowledge about different parts of the United States.

# data[].attributes.body
Collaborating with others made the whole experience feel a lot less isolating and more uplifting. Hearing different perspectives often sparked ideas I wouldn’t have come up with on my own, which was really motivating. Instead of feeling like I was working alone on an island, it felt like we were all figuring things out together.

# data[].attributes.body
Working with classmates from across long distances made this course feel personal and engaging. Using tech tools to share ideas helped me learn from others in real time. Even though we were far apart, it felt like we were tackling the work together.

# data[].attributes.body
Being an online student can be isolating at times. The connection with other students is limited, and I can feel like an island. However, the collaboration with the groups has been energizing. One of the most meaningful experiences has been connecting with others who are experiencing the same and different day to day challenges. Knowing that we are not alone on this mortal coil is soothing. There's a relaxation in knowing that we are all doing our best to create change in an uncertain world while still holding on to hope. I found colleagues in the collaboration. I found new ideas, new . perspectives, and incredible conversations.

I learned that while I am generally introverted, I can be coaxed into enjoying a semi-social/educational meeting of the minds. I can find myself losing confidence and security at times, and I learned that I can feel good about sharing and contribution. I also learned that I miss living in the city sometimes.

I work with others everyday, and I don't ever seem to have any issues; I'm definitely flexible (or I really try to be), so working with others was not a challenge, but it was refreshing to work with others that are facing similar challenges. I found that while I tend to say that I am just fine working on my own, I do enjoy and thrive in an environment that is collaborative.

Collaborating interculturally was one of the most rewarding aspects. It can be easy for me to become a little short-sighted and live in my own bubble, sometimes going through days as they bleed into each other. I was excited to hear about Seattle, it made me miss my home (Houston). I felt connected to the diversity, as I grew up and lived in such a diverse city for so many years. I have always appreciated the fact that my children lived in a place, too, that offered diversity and culture. It made me grateful.

I admit, I was excited to see new posts. Again, being an online student can limit interaction with others, so this collaboration was a way to see other points of view. I developed a curiosity and inquisitiveness from reading how others see challenges and how they view advocacy. I determined that even though we are working with counseling and education, the advocacy part is the same. Ultimately, we are helpers, and wish to find ways to help others, regardless of discipline and cultural differences.

# data[].attributes.headline
Matt Jurasek, Megan Hudechek, Alexis Renock, Lizette Rodriguez

# data[].attributes.subject
Matt Jurasek, Megan Hudechek, Alexis Renock, Lizette Rodriguez

# data[].attributes.body
something fantastic

# data[].attributes.body
Dana Montague, Rachel Forstat, Hunter Stobierski, Nick Fuqua

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Purple Colorful Organic Mind Map Brainstorm

# data[].attributes.body
Our group created an advocacy mind map around growing poverty rates within each state.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mind Map Whiteboard in Blue and Yellow Simple Brainstorm Style

# data[].attributes.body
Culture to me represents a heritage and values found within ones family unit and in multiple generations within. It can also be found within your village/town in which you live in because of a shared national heritage due to coming from the same area in Germany. You can also have culture within your work place. Values in which co-workers are inspired to do their best because they feel valued, trusted and feel that they make a difference within the workplace, they are an equal, management listens to their input and you feel that they are really listening to you.

# data[].attributes.body
Both the Ratts and the NAEYC had a lot of information to share, different ways they each approach the counseling in young children. Ratts article was short in theory of description in the ways it approached the child and student component. The NAEYC article gave a more descriptive idea in how they approached the child with the family being involved in the healing process. Having family be a part of the healing process helps the child. In healing the child it will enable the family and its members to encourage the child to continue to develop and learn through involved family members through the services that are available to them.

# data[].attributes.headline
Tina Tenhopen, Holly Odriscoll, Patricia Wilkins, Jessica Waddell

# data[].attributes.subject
Tina Tenhopen, Holly Odriscoll, Patricia Wilkins, Jessica Waddell

# data[].attributes.body
Our group created a mind map for advocacy for children, families, and communities for the issue of income inequality.

# data[].attributes.body
I wish I had some beautiful story to my name, but it's pretty simple, really. I was named after my grandmother (Elizabeth).

I think Elizabeth is a beautiful name, it means 'oath of God' or 'God's promise'. However, I've been Betsy since as early as I can remember. When I asked my parents, 'why did you name me Elizabeth if you are just going to call me Betsy?' Their answer was that I looked like a Betsy. Apparently I looked like a Betsy as an infant.

As an emerging student in kindergarten, I had difficulty writing an 's'. So I decided that I was not going to be Betsy any more. I was going to be Beth. I could easily make an h, so why not call myself another derivative of Elizabeth? My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Ashby, didn't think that idea was a good one, nor did it get me out of making my s, so I went back to Betsy.

As I've gotten older, I hear more anecdotes from people about how they knew a Betsy in their life or how much they like the name. I generally muse that I don't care for it much, and I prefer Elizabeth. Why don't I go by Elizabeth? Well, I don't think I could answer to it! I've been Betsy or mom for so long, if someone were to call me Elizabeth, I'd probably look around.

# data[].attributes.body
Which COIL experience or interaction has resonated with you the most, and why?

One activity that really stood out to me was the global culture discussion. It was amazing to realize that, for many of us, culture was something we knew existed and was part of who we are, but we rarely stop to think deeply about what it truly represents and signifies. This topic, like so many others in this class, resonates with discoveries I’ve made later in life. It reminds me of the importance of embracing who I am and recognizing the richness of my ancestry and the environment that has shaped me. I also loved hearing how many of us had different perspectives, yet at the same time, very similar ideas. By the end of the discussion, we all seemed to agree: culture is not just something we have, but a living part of who we are, shaping our experiences within our families, communities, societies, and the other groups to which we belong throughout our lives.

The danger of a single story:

What?

What resonated with me the most was when Chimamanda said the danger is not that stereotypes are untrue, but that they are incomplete. As a Colombian, I have lived that. Many times, people only see one story about my country: drugs, Pablo Escobar, and violence. But Colombia is also education, beauty, community, art, innovation, and real everyday people. The single story has erased that part of us.

So what?

This made me realize how powerful one narrative can be. When a single story becomes “the truth,” it can lead others to believe something about us without knowing the whole picture. And that can harm your identity, self-worth, and how others perceive you.

Now what?

Moving forward, I want to be more intentional about not assuming I know someone’s story. I want to listen more, ask more, and stay open. In my professional role, I aim to help create spaces where people can share their whole story, not just the version the world has decided for them.

# data[].attributes.body
Interesting enough, there were many commonalities in these two papers. The first one I noticed is that both addressed the importance of being self aware of one's identity, biases and dispositions and use that understanding for competent practice. The next similarity is both papers are addressing professionals. Both professionals also have to intentionally care for context, culture, language, families, and relational dynamics. Some differences include profession areas differ: counseling vs. education, the Ratt paper focuses more on activism and advocacy and the NAEYC standards focus on high quality practices using diversity and inclusion as a a way to implement these practices.

# data[].attributes.body
I enjoyed reading NAEYC’s “Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education” and Multicultural and Social Justice Counselling Competencies. I'm gaining valuable insights into how the MSJCC framework is designed to support others. These two professional fields are different but also very similar. Both readings addressed the importance of being aware of one's own culture, personal beliefs, values, and biases. I understand that NAEYC is about teaching, and MSJCC is about counseling others. The core of both professions will always come down to whether you can understand yourself and your biases; if you can't, you’ll be unable to help either children learn new things or help someone through something. Our ability to understand others directly affects our ability to connect to those who need us.

# data[].attributes.body
One of the biggest take aways I had from this exercise was that no matter geography, we are seeing communities suffering in similar ways. The access to food, education, stability, and security are not limited to rural or urban areas, and that we are all facing the same challenges. Living in a rural area can be isolating at times, and our worldview can be limited. It was nice to see that there were strong commonalities within the communities.

# data[].attributes.body
As an early childhood educator, I felt connected to the NAEYC competencies, and feel that in my professional life I have a good understanding of them. Putting them into practice can be challenging. We are continually told to check our bias, but it can be hard to check our own bias; how blind can we be to our own sense of bias? Having a trusted colleague helps me 'hold up a mirror' to myself when I am stuck or feeling that I may be misunderstanding behavior or another component of a child or family's need.

Interestingly, I found more similarities between the NAEYC and the MSJCC documents. The ideas of inclusion and integrity are fully integrated in both practices. The biggest difference can be identified as the NAEYC focuses on the significance of the family framework, while the MSJCC focuses on the not just the familial make up, but the cultural and historical significance of the individual as well.

# data[].attributes.body
Group E MindMap - Dana Montague, Hunter Stobierski, Rachel Forstat, Nick Fuqua

# data[].attributes.body
Hi David, I agree with your reflection, and I think many of us would also agree that self-reflection is essential for both counselors and educators as the first step toward developing cultural competence. Your reflection is powerful and honest. I really appreciate that you mention that self-awareness is the first step to providing cultural sensitivity as a foundational attitude. I truly believe that everything starts from there — becoming aware of our own thoughts and behaviors and taking that first step to recognize and correct biases or prejudices that might affect the quality of our work. The system starts with us as an important part of it, and by analyzing ourselves first, we are better able to apply corrective measures and improve how we work.

# data[].attributes.body
After reading the NAEYC guidelines on equity in early childhood education and the MSJCC framework for multicultural and social justice counseling, I realized how much these two fields have in common. Both are about fairness, inclusion, and social justice, and both ask us to start by looking at ourselves. It’s important to notice our own biases, privileges, and experiences of being marginalized, and also to think about how history and society shape the way we see the world. Reflecting on this helps me understand how my actions affect others and how I can learn from the people I work with. Both NAEYC and MSJCC remind us to listen, communicate, and adjust our support to meet each child’s or client’s needs.

At the same time, I see the differences, NAEYC focuses on creating fair learning environments, supporting child development, and working with families. MSJCC focuses more on counseling, understanding identity, building relationships, and advocating for social justice on a bigger scale. Reflection in counseling guides ethical choices and social justice action, while in early childhood education, reflection guides teaching and classroom decisions.

Reading both documents made me see that even with different focuses, both fields aim for the same thing: helping people grow, feel included, and have the chance to succeed. It also made me think about how I can bring these ideas into my own work and keep learning from others.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.mureka.ai/song-detail/HxTwgMztf3mVh2fX9rSnLc?is_from_share=1

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
AI music generator that transforms your lyrics and prompts into fully produced songs, all unlimited and royalty-free!

# data[].attributes.body
Issac, Nneka, Tiffany, Katie, and Britney

# data[].attributes.body
Something I noticed between the two papers is how NAEYC is focused around Early Education and Child Development. Then MSJCC is focused around the mental health of children and counseling or therapy for the children. While educators are focused on the curriculum in the classroom and the environment children are in. While therapists and counselors are focused more with therapeutic relationships and identity development. One thing we should take into consideration and a take away from both articles is the ideas of self awareness and the steps to providing culturally appropriate sensitive care. The first step we typically would say is the exploration of others and their experiences. But we need to be sure to overlook our own bias and identity in the process.

As a teacher my goal in the classroom is to be sure everyone is being safe to each other and themselves. We use affirmations and words to describe our children in the positive language. Including, “We are strong”, “We are beautiful”, “We are helpful”, “We are teamplayers”. We use these sentences to help children understand what the words mean and how we use the words. Including team players doesn’t mean just in sports, but also in the classroom. We are helpful, because we remind other peers of the rules in the classroom, we ask to give other children hugs to feel better. Or we are strong, because we push our own chair in when we are done sitting in the chairs. But in all what I am saying is that the two articles, we may have different careers, or different settings in our jobs, but our main goal together is to be sure each individual in the classroom is safe, and helping the child succeed with the best steps to get there.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.mureka.ai/song-detail/NcE6498eZ7HPdj8EGuKBuJ?is_from_share=1

# data[].attributes.body
The NAEYC Early Childhood Competencies and the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies (MSJCC) both focus on treating people fairly and with respect, even though they are used in different professions. NAEYC is for early childhood educators and it helps teachers create safe, inclusive classrooms where kids from all backgrounds can thrive. It also encourages strong partnerships with families and attention to each child’s development. MSJCC is for counselors and therapists. It’s about understanding people’s identities, recognizing how power and privilege affect their lives, and standing up for social justice. Both sets of competencies require you to reflect on biases and build meaningful relationships.  NAEYC is more about teaching and learning, while MSJCC goes deeper into emotional support and advocacy. Together, they show how important it is to be culturally aware and committed to equity.

What resonated with me from these documents is how both competencies emphasize the importance of equity and inclusion.  These are core principles in special education. NAEYC encourages educators to create learning environments that are developmentally appropriate and responsive to each child’s unique needs, including those with disabilities. It is a teacher’s responsibility to support diverse learners and ensure every child has access to meaningful learning experiences. MSJCC focuses on how identity, power, and privilege affect children and families, which can help teachers better understand the challenges their students face and be able to advocate more effectively for them.