By definition, healing is the process of making or becoming sound or healthy again. As life unfolds around us during this 2020 Coronavirus health crisis, inarguably, we vividly see—eyes wide open—the inequalities and disparities affecting vulnerable populations of people more than others. Although we are all affected—directly or indirectly—as we move about doing something that bears a resemblance to coexisting, everyone is living with some degree of pain; be it emotional through hurt or heartbreak, mental anguish, physical stressors, and so much more that we resolve as part of life. However, it’s the other side of that “complex coexistence” that Lyiscott points out. (THIS is what resonated with me in these last chapters.) It’s the balance of our coexistence; to be exact, the possibility side that we must challenge ourselves to embrace so that we can promisingly coexist in our world today. This is how we become healthy and promote the same for others.

Respectfully submitted by
Phyllis A. Walker

 Toks Tinubu

“I tell them that the process toward diversity is not just about the presence of difference…it is about creating spaces and opportunities for truly esteeming and exploring the value of difference on its own terms...”

Everything has value. When you realize your value—as unique as you are—you will not settle for being treated less than that by others—with their own individuality—who fail to regard you with consideration. Be mindful. Be kind. Be different.

Phyllis A. Walker

“I tell them that the process towards diversity is not just about the presence of difference.

It is about creating spaces and opportunities for truly esteeming and exploring the value of difference on its own terms”.

            I chose this because it is very interesting to me the way the writer trying to emphasis and demonstrate her opinion about the diversity as the sense of equality. I really admire when she is telling educators to acknowledge the real differences in diversity which build awareness, acknowledge of all culture, believes, music and race. Diversity supposed to have space for everyone to be included and give opportunities for all to explore their values and take their chances.

 

I chose this quote because I think it is particularly important for many educators to introduce from one way or another diversity in their classrooms. Teachers have the responsibility to recognize and structure their lessons to reflect students’ differences. This encourage students to recognize themselves and others as individuals. Also, this encourages the appreciation of a diverse school population and brings connections within the schools. Recognizing and acknowledging our differences is part of treating students fairly and equally. Recognition of a student’s cultural differences provides a positive basis for effective learning, and provides a “safe” classroom environment for all. 

 

I really like this quote, because from one way or another we “humans” have had to heal from wounds, pain, suffer, or any type of situation we might been through. I relate to this quote because in my personal experience, I have had to heal the emptiness from missing my hometown. Even though I was born in Buffalo, I was raised in Puerto Rico and spent my whole childhood and adolescence in the island. Moving back to Buffalo was hard for me, the culture and traditions were different, school and meals were different and making new friends was hard. Healing that wound was hard but that did not stop me from being successful in life. I kept moving and here I am, a future educator that would like to make changes in students’ lives…

 “You see the problem with standard form is not that we are incapable of acquiring them

It is that they so often fail to incorporate the genius that is available within diverse cultures

And when I am forced to be like you then I am robbed

And you are robbed

Of the fullest potential of me” (p. 83 bottom)

In a school setting there is only one standard form and if you do not catch on, it is the standard form or the highway. This means that it is possible that you could fail as a student, because there is only one direction to receive an education according to standard form. There are rules and regulations that must be followed and adhered to. It is as simple as graduating, because each degree has its own designated course studies in order to qualify a person for graduating with any specific degree according to the school one attends. 

So what, if you want to be a teacher and you have hands on experience as a day care provider, empowering youth ages 13-22 for 20+ years. So what, if you have a 2 year degree in Early Childhood, Bachelor’s degree and a multitude of experience in the classroom of day cares and public schools. So what, that because you understand the struggles of a slow learners and a strong connection and rapport with students that encourages comprehension and knowledge to them in a faster way. Many people are intimidated by the state standards exams and civil service exams to receive a decent county or city job. In most instances testing must occur, for example becoming a nurse, doctor or lawyer.  

Students are now required to take Common Core exams that are extremely difficult for students of all grades and culture. The teachers are astonished at the information being requested for the students. Educators admit that the standards put on the student by the Common Core requirements are intimidating and unfair.

If certain requirements are not met a person is subjected to the repercussions of being something other than what their dreams were made of. A person’s skills may supersede another person’s skills in a position that society says that someone is not qualified for according to rules and regulations. The requirement of the standard form must be followed no matter how amazing a person’s skills or talents are. Those particular people will certainly continue to be robbed of positions, opportunities, and even sharing their wealth of knowledge with students living in the same culture. These particular people are often an asset to their co-workers, as well. Co-workers often accept and share techniques on dealing with certain situations. The standard form will certainly be a determining factor in a person’s income. Is a person willing to do what is necessary or sit on the sidelines and settle for whatever?

                      
               

“I bring in the cypher, a practice within hip-hop culture with West African roots.”

This is a valuable experience for educators, which provides through this activity a culturally sustainable pedagogical approach that involves hip-hop culture that provides the opportunity to understand and learn about diversity from another point of view. Leaving the comfort zone.
Through music, dance, or any art, these resources can also be implemented to learn about other cultures. To seek a cultural integration that guarantees equal opportunities in education.

This quote is very valuable to me, we see anonymous heroes’ women, men, and children fighting in everyday life, defending social causes, making a difference in the world, even though they have had painful experiences. For them, my respect and admiration to all the victims who are now survivors and leaders in our communities.

March 8 is International Women's Day. Unfortunately, allegations of sexual assault and harassment against women has not ended. This commits us to continue support women’s empowerment movements #MeToo and Time's Up to defends rights, ending sexual violence and guarantee justice for all.

“I did not find out that my mother was the survivor of sexual abuse until I was 31 years old. Apparently, she had blocked the trauma out of her memory; her will to bury her past was matched only by her passion of creating a future possibilities for me her only child.”

 

Unfortunately, sexual violence is the harsh reality many women/men face. Heartbreakingly, statistics show that many children deal with the violence of sexual assault. This statement stood out to me because in schools across America today, perhaps even in the schools we work in, many students are dealing with this ugly truth in secrecy. At times, their behavior even illuminates the trauma they have faced or are presently dealing with. With that said, as future educators, it is our duty to become educated in trauma inform care. Being aware of red flags and signs is crucial to keeping all children safe. It is also necessary for future educators to have a positive, motivating, encouraging outlook for all students despite their poor behavior, difficulty, or academic struggles. By doing so we give students, facing all traumas, a chance to break generational cycles and provide them with tools that can change their lives for the better. 

We must continue to build self-esteem within our students and show them the way true love looks like. I believe through love, compassion, and discipline, this can be accomplished for all students of all cultural backgrounds.