https://padlet.com/curecorner1/bmczv4zy1s69 Based upon Sonia Nieto's, "Language, Literacy, and Culture" article en-us 2017-10-16 18:04:51 UTC 2017-12-13 17:01:39 UTC hello@padlet.com curecorner1 https://padlet.com/curecorner1/bmczv4zy1s69/wish/197505563 When I was growing up, I was unsure of what my identity was. We moved a lot and generally in less savory areas where the little blonde haired blue eyed child was the minority. I was picked on relentlessly. So much so that it became normal and expected. That became my identity. I learned to keep my head down and speak when spoken to. I was alone at recess and partnerless in class. Times were different then and bullying was not considered an issue to be addressed. My identity was lost in a minority society created for me.  ]]> 2017-10-16 18:12:50 UTC https://padlet.com/curecorner1/bmczv4zy1s69/wish/197505563 curecorner1 https://padlet.com/curecorner1/bmczv4zy1s69/wish/197512875 As the schools changed and I got older, I learned that my voice could be heard through conversation in the classroom with my teachers, I was able to grasp topics better and enjoy being in a classroom. My identity was changing in the classroom. So I spoke out. ]]> 2017-10-16 18:24:39 UTC https://padlet.com/curecorner1/bmczv4zy1s69/wish/197512875 curecorner1 https://padlet.com/curecorner1/bmczv4zy1s69/wish/197515020 My mom worked really hard to provide for us. We were a small family unit and through her efforts we started entering better zip codes which meant better school districts. We were also at a point in our lives where hand-me-downs, and thrift store finds were not the only articles of clothing we had (although, I still love hand-me-downs and thrift store finds). How we looked made a big difference in how we made friends and were successful in school settings. Unfortunately, appearance was everything then and for most, was their identity. I was different. By this time, I could care less what others thought of me. I was more interested in my education and the teachers I had. My identity had become a student. ]]> 2017-10-16 18:28:06 UTC https://padlet.com/curecorner1/bmczv4zy1s69/wish/197515020 curecorner1 https://padlet.com/curecorner1/bmczv4zy1s69/wish/197519414 In the high school I attended, there was privilege but it was not based on race, gender, or where you came from, it was based on who was enrolled and the opportunity that was given to each and every student. I took full advantage of it and created a better environment for myself. The world outside was harsh and carried into the school; drugs, violence, sex, all of which I avoided because my grades were my task. Keeping focused to graduate and start my adult life was my goal. ]]> 2017-10-16 18:36:14 UTC https://padlet.com/curecorner1/bmczv4zy1s69/wish/197519414 curecorner1 https://padlet.com/curecorner1/bmczv4zy1s69/wish/197522090 I really learned about what was important here. The amount of work involved in such a short frame of time, when I was responsible for myself was an aha moment for me. I began to thrive, read more, write more, help others more, and simply be more, gave me the courage to push harder towards my goals. ]]> 2017-10-16 18:41:11 UTC https://padlet.com/curecorner1/bmczv4zy1s69/wish/197522090 curecorner1 https://padlet.com/curecorner1/bmczv4zy1s69/wish/197524163 I really like Sonia Nieto's article because it is from the heart and shines light on the difficulties she had to become a great professor. She see's the world through a specific lens that she then gifts to those she teachers and helps. So many people have stories that can relate in some fashion which either builds success or allots for failure. I believe it is the strong and encouraged students that never give up. The students that have mentors along the way that would not allow them to give up. I am striving to be the teacher that helps those students and gives them the tools they need to create an identity they can be proud of, just as I am and Sonia Nieto is. ]]> 2017-10-16 18:45:13 UTC https://padlet.com/curecorner1/bmczv4zy1s69/wish/197524163