What do you understand intersexuality and transexuality to be. Has your study of these topics been useful to you? How?

    Society has many different meanings and ways of how a man, or a woman should look, act, behave, and be. They believe that a man is a man from the whole nine yards, from the brain, to the feet. Same thing goes for women. What society does not know is that a person can be born one gender, but is actually another. Society may want to take a second look at Intersexuality, and Transexuality. They will learn a lot from it. It may not be the afflicted person’s fault if they are a certain way.
    Intersexuality, is a mixture of male and female characteristics. Has several definitions, and forms. Transexuality, changing one’s gender, to look like the opposite, because of forces, or the person’s state of mind. Some times, Intersexuality can happen from a number of causes. Either it can happen from genetic reasons, or it can happen anywhere in between gestation and pregnancy. Intersexuality is also when a person is born a hermadophite. I never really understood it at first. I wondered, what? How can that happen? Does it exist? When I read the article, I have found out that it does and can happen, and it exists. A person can have female genitals, the whole nine yards, but genetically, they are male.
    Transexuality is when a person changes one sexuality, usually through surgery, or they choose to dress the opposite gender, or they may have gender dysphoria. People feel that they are trapped in the wrong body for a variety of reasons, or they may like the attributes of the opposite gender. I have met a couple of transsexuals in my life. Some of them looked like the the opposite gender. They may be fully transgendered, or partially transgendered. Society expects them to be “cured” of their Transexuality. If that can happen, for every person that was “cured”, I would have been rich. I am not talking about Bill Gates rich, Warren Buffett rich, because those “cures” would have been expensive. Does a cure really exist? No. It does not.
    My understanding and knowledge of these topics has helped me very much. The article was useful, because I have learned what Intersexuality, and Transexuality is all about. I know that society might need to learn how to look at the person instead of their sexuality.

What do you think to be the cause of homosexuality? Have Your views on homosexuality been affected by the study of this topic?

    The names that society that calls people who does not fit their standard of what a man, or woman should be: Gay, faggot, dyke, punk. People who do not adhere to the standards of society are called these names. I know that I may drift of the subject a minute, put I have a point: Why is it that society expects women accept the sexual advances of a man? Why does society wants men to instantly be excited when a woman walks by? I don’t know, but society has a very warped sense of femininity, and masculinity.
    I believe that homosexuality comes from a person’s lifestyle choice. Some people also say that homosexuality may also be genetic. Whatever the reason may be, the choice will always be on the shoulders of that particular person. Also, homosexuality can also come, in my opinion, from a person’s sexual experiences. Maybe they wanted to try different things, and probably enjoyed it. Or, it can come from a traumatic moment with a member of the opposite sex.
    My opinion on homosexual people was not affected. This topic has strengthened my opinion, based on facts, not lies, and beliefs. My opinions on homosexual people are these: they are people, they have needs, and they are the kindest people you will ever meet. To me, it really does not matter on their sexuality. I do not pay attention to it, because at the end of the day, they are humans. To me, my beliefs have not been affected by the study of the topic. People may be mad, that homosexuals refuse to uphold society’s standard of a man and a woman, which in my opinion, is truly unrealistic. I congratulate them for being their own person.

React to the article "Tale of Two Islands" Do you think a case can be made for charges of institutional racism?

“I am the pearl of the Antilles; I was France’s most prized country. My land has been occupied by its inhabitants, and I have seen it prosper. I have also seen my country become the first Independent Black country in the world, on January 1, 1804. Over time, my country has seen and experience things that was beyond our control. On day, Haiti shall rise again.”

    This quote shows the amount of admiration that I have for my country. While Haiti has been way past its golden years, it is still suffering today. On the other hand, since I don’t have any quotes that show my admiration for Cuba, I am only left with facts. My family never came from Cuba at all; the information about Cuba astonishes me. On how Cuba was able to actually embarrass a powerful country. Shocking? Yes it is. Am I surprised? No. Not really. The United States had their faces handed to them, just like France when Haiti defeated their army at the time.

    When I read about the “Tale of Two Islands, a case can be made for institutional racism. The reason why is because of the United States’ “Wet foot- Dry foot” policy. This policy is a clear cut case of racism. So clear, that even I can see through it. Here is how the policy goes: When an immigrant usually reaches land, they are allowed to stay. If they are still in the water, or surfing in high speed boats, and the guards usually catches them, they are usually repatriated back to their country. I know. This is the definition that they gave us.

    The actual definition and word for the policy is called: Institutional Racism. The Definition: When Cubans reach land, they are generally allowed to stay. If they make it on water, they are sometimes sent back home, but mostly, they stay. When Haitians reach land, they are sent right back home. The same thing applies when they are on the water. This is racism. They treat Cubans better than Haitians.

    The reason why this would make a case for institutional racism is because the Cubans are being treated better than Haitians by our government. How does the government view Haitians? Like dirt on a ground that is meant to be kicked around? Like a dirty mop? I wonder. All of the governmental protections that are given to Cubans here, those same protections are not given to Haitians. Even if they have a plausible excuse to flee their country. Cubans are, in my opinion; always cry because of Fidel Castro. Well, they need to do something about it in their country, try to work with him on a compromise, even though he will never change.

    Haiti, on the other hand, does not have that exact ability. Everything has been taken away from them, by France and United States. France has been making Haiti pay back their country for the lost of their slaves? What slaves?! I don’t care if France has to use their own people! When the earthquake happened in Haiti, France should have been the first country to help them. France decided to cancel some of Haiti’s debt, but they still want them to pay back some of it.

    The United States has a hand in it too. Some of the policies that were enacted were and always, clearly racist. I do not care, if they try to sweeten up the words, and making it sound all different. It is like putting icing on a rotten cake, not knowing that it is disgusting. The words, “Wet foot-Dry foot” policy, is just plain wrong. This policy is clearly a case of institutional racism that needs to be challenged in the Supreme Court. I would one day love to have the honor of challenging this policy, and eliminating this same policy that continues to deny Haitian citizens are right to earn a living in the United States.

Reflect on What you've learned about Race and Racism.

     Race. The characteristics of a person, by the color of their skin. Racism. The treatment of a person based on race. Does it sound funny? Does it sound weird? I know. Those words, just want to make you cringe with fear. Should it? No. Should race relations in America be amended? Yes. I do believe so. Contrary to the public’s redundant belief that everyone is all happy and smiles, that we just come together in one big happy family of colors, it is not going to happen. It may happen in the schools, but when our future students graduate into the real world, it is only black and white. Race and racism will never go away, like writings on a wall.

     There were several things that I have learned about race and racism. Race is, as people would call it, a socially constructed word, which is always used for legal purposes, such as identifying the demographics of people, and at the same time, used against people of color. At the same time, it is not biological, but then, at the same time, it can be genetic, based on our features, and hereditary. If there is a biological race, why do Hispanics consider themselves a race, even though they look white?

     Racism is the treatment of a person based on their race. Racism can occur directly, or indirectly. It can occur individually, or institutionally. For example, in individually, a person treats another person (usually of color) wrong. In the case of institutional racism, it is the denial, on the basis of race, the federally protected opportunities that every American should get.

     When I read the article, it saddens me that we still live in racism today. I remember when I was a kid; they showed everyone holding hands, playing around like it is all cool. The worst part of it, the adults do not know that children know about race relations in America. It took a while for Disney to finally have a black princess. I wonder, will we ever become the real America?

Compare the patterns of Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing in Rwanda, Bosnia and Dafur. What insights have you gained from reading about these atrocities?

      When I read about the patterns of Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing in Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur, there were several similarities in them. The similarities in them are that a major ethnic group wanted to eliminate all of the other groups. They either eliminated them by Genocide, when they kill them, or by Ethnic Cleansing, when they eliminate peoplefor any reason or, by any other means necessary, so that they can be a “pure” race.

      When I read about it, In Darfur, militia has has killed and raped people systematically. Many people give this reason of why: “Because we are Black.” When I read the article, it made me wonder why a group of people would kill their own. In addition, when I read the Article, It has also explained the execution style killings of the villagers in Darfur.

      When I read about the other two places, in Rwanda and Bosnia, it made me wonder why they attempted to kill people. Is it because of the color of their skin, their culture, you what they perceive to be impure people. I have also learned that there are several steps of perfection that other people use to eliminate another group of people, which are Concentration, Decapitation, Separation, Evacuation, and Liquidation. Also, reading about the incidents, all of it was the same, even though it was carried out in different forms. In order for it to truly end, we must be able to fully understand the concept of Culture.

Reflect on the Holocaust. What do you think about people who say it didn't happen?

     The Holocaust, The annihilation of six million Jews, and countless others. The reason behind it seemed and is pointless. Just because the Nazi blamed them for Germany’s loss in World War I, and the sorry state of Germany during that time period. When I read the Holocaust, I was in shock. It puzzles me as to why they killed so many women, men, and children, almost everybody, who were not part of the “superior” German race. Till this day, even though the Holocaust has passed, it will never be forgotten

     When I read what happened, it brought out anger. I was so outraged at what happened. People were used for medical experiments, and labor. The rest of them were killed. I take a look and questions such as, “Why did Adolf Hitler decided to kill so many people?” “What was his purpose?” “Was Adolf Hitler jealous of the Jews?” The most unusual thing is that once he was in power, he eliminated all opposition and launched a ruthless program of world domination and eradication of the Jews, corresponding the very same ideas that were presented in his book, “Mein Kampf.” His "1,000 Year Reich” which barely lasted 12 years and he died a broken and defeated man.

     In the end, besides facing up to what he did, Adolf Hitler took the coward’s way out; He killed himself with cyanide. Here is what I think of those who deny that the Holocaust ever happened: Why do you believe that the Holocaust did not exist? Why do you think that it is just a fairy tale? A myth? A hocus-pocus magic trick? To me, you will one day remember those words, when your eyes are open to what actually happened. Only then, you can see through the eyes of the survivors. What type of person, or who, would ever deny that the Holocaust did not exist? I will give you an example.

     Look at Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iran leader that shocked the world when he called the Holocaust “myth” What does he think? That six million people was killed by the sun? If six million people were killed by the sun, I already know that we would not exist, and no one would be outside. I’m sorry Mr. Ahmadinejad, but evidence points otherwise. The Holocaust is not a “myth”. With documented cases; Survivors still are living till this day to explain a horror so unimaginable, that even Stephen King cannot write a novel about it. How and why do you think that the Holocaust was “Make-Believe”? I sit there and wonder about those who believe that the Holocaust did not exist.

     When you have people who deny the Holocaust, they deny a part of human history. You just cannot take an eraser, and erase all of the bad events in world history; and you definitely cannot erase the Holocaust. It is a world event that will always and forever leave a footprint in history. To those who survived through the Holocaust, it is a miracle that you are still alive today, to tell us of the worst human atrocity during the time period.

Write a reflection on your reaction to the several articles in "Understanding Prejudices" Do you understand how prejudice happens?

     Prejudice happens everywhere. Whether it is by race, origin, sex, or religion, and even through marital status and religion. Prejudice happens everywhere. Even in America prejudice happens. Many people say that when the Civil Rights Era ended, so did prejudice. They believed that everything is okay. Also, they believe that even when we had laws passed, protecting us from discrimination and prejudice, that it was all over. But in reality, it still exists.

     When I read the article on understanding prejudice, I learned that prejudice can happen in any way, shape, and form. I have learned is that prejudice happens in all walks of life. I have learned that prejudice can also happen unintentional and intentionally. Intentional prejudice happens later in life, based on that person’s beliefs, or events that has happened to them early in life. Unintentional prejudice happens when it occurs early in life, such as in childhood, due to influence by older people, or authority.

     There were several things that I have also learned about prejudice, but this fact is what has occurred to me the most. When we experience prejudice, we must learn how to deal with it. We also must learn how to accept other people, not based on their outer appearance, or religions, or any of the protected statuses. We must learn how to view them as one person, who is equal.

What are the most important concepts you got out of reading the article "Understanding the Self" (Hamachek) and the sections on Self concept and self-esteem in Transformation: Creating Context, Part I?

     When I read the article on the most important concepts, such as “Understanding The Self, and Transformation, it was an opener for me. The four important concepts that I have obtained from reading both of these articles is Self-Concept, also known as the “Private Self”, Self- Presentation, how I present myself to others, and the most important concept of all is the problem of meaning—that comes with the question of what is life all about, and how we are able to make something out of ourselves in life, and reinventing ourselves.

     The first important concept that is important is Self-Concept. The reason why is because of the fact that how a person describes, or view themselves as a type of person. Some people may view themselves as a friendly, outgoing person, while another person may view themselves as a mean person. The reason why Self-Concept is important is because as a future educator, I must have a positive self-concept.

     The second is Self-Presentation. The reason why \this concept is important because of the fact on how we present ourselves and to the world is very important. The reason why I made this statement is because people want to present themselves as a person that other people would like. Meaning, that they want people to see only what they want them to see. I believe that Self-Presentation is an important concept because we need to show people who we really are in life.

     The third is the Problem of Meaning. The reason why this concept is important is because of the fact that after some time, people start to question all about life, such as, “Why am I here?”, “What is the true meaning of life?” Many people would like to know what life is all about and the true meaning of it in general.

     The last one is Reinventing Ourselves. The reason why this is an important concept is because of the fact that we must truly transform ourselves, in order to become a brand new person. Not extra new, but a reformed person.

Why is Freud's work on the Theory of Personality considered so important even by those who don't agree with him? What do you think about Freud?

     Sigmund Freud’s Theory of Personality has made very important discoveries in the field of psychology. The work is still important today because he set the stage for research about the human self. Freud believed that we have an id, an ego, and a superego in our personalities. True, he may have been controversial in his day, but some of his works are accepted and widely popular today in the field of psychology. Reading about Freud’s Theory of Personality has helped me to understand psychology a bit more.

     I have learned that an id is self-serving. It does not care about other’s needs. It only cares about its own. For example, an infant. A baby does not understand other people yet. The infant only knows what they want. The id is only the beginning process of a person. Then we have the ego. The ego is there to feed the id what it wants, and is the second process. Than we have the superego. The superego is like the blanket of morals, and values that is placed on us. In a way, it helps both the ego and the id.

     To be honest, Freud was a very good psychologist. Even though most of his ideas were controversial during his time, he has set the stage for the human personality in psychology. And for that, I admire him. To come out with thoughts on the human mind at the time where it was controversial, well, that is a feat in itself.

What strikes you as most important to you as a teacher in reading about Beliefs, Values and Attitudes. What is the most important thing that you have learned?

      Many people have different beliefs, values, and morals. Some people have different ways of expressing themselves. Also, there are just those who people simply cannot be any different than those who differ from them. While reading the article, I have found out several different meanings to values, attitudes, and beliefs.

     Beliefs are the important part of a culture. It is the first important element of that particular group’s thoughts and behaviors. For example, many cultures think that a woman’s place should be at home. That is a culture thought. The behavioral part is when that same culture believes that children should behave properly in public places. It influences their thoughts and beliefs about their culture.

     Values are the second most important part of a culture. The reasons why is because many people have beliefs that they hold dearly to. For example, many people choose not to have relations before marriage, because they believe that it is bad. True, it is culture that can destroy a lot of things, for example, many people believe that if you are not a virgin, you are a bad person. I think that it has gotten to the point where people in some cultures, especially women, are not allowed to do certain things, because of this unusual standard: “Women are pure, so they must have very good values, no blemishes allowed.”

     Attitudes are the last important part of a culture. The reason why is because of the fact that attitude is almost like a belief. It is no difference, except on how people look at it. I look at attitudes through a cultural lens. Many people have different attitudes about different topics, and different cultures. An attitude is a whole different concept, but it is connected to beliefs.

     As a future educator, I believe that reading this article was important because of the fact that you will have students who beliefs, values, and attitudes are different from yours. Plus, as a future educator, you must also learn to work with the students, so that you know that they can succeed in an environment where students are free to express themselves.

Teaching for Inclusion

     When people take a look at diversity, many people make general statements about the classroom. Even though some generalizations may be true, others are based on their beliefs. When reading the article, I realized that teaching for inclusion gave the insight of diversity in a classroom. There are several different areas of diversity in a regular classroom. The teachers may have those who have disabilities, those with different religions, races, genders, and others.

    When teaching in a class, the teacher has to realize that the atmosphere that is established in their classroom is important. As a teacher, you must establish an environment where students of different backgrounds get to voice their different opinions, voices, and expressions. The reason why it is important is because in order for you to be an effective teacher, you must learn how to fully incorporate diversity into the classroom.

     Also, when I read the article, I also gave me an insight on diversity in the classroom, and how to teach for inclusion. May students will come into the classroom with different concerns, issues, and many other problems that may be related to their background, or any other aspect of their lives. As a teacher, an environment must be created where students feel free to have an open discussion on these issues. Therefore, as a teacher, in order to teach for inclusion, you must have the skills, and experience necessary to fully comprehend diversity in a classroom.

Transformation: Awareness and Consciousness

     After reading this article, it gave me a different insight of transformation. When I read the article, I had my original opinions and definitions of what awareness and consciousness was. I have thought that in order to be aware, the person must be aware of their surroundings. When I read the article, awareness is like a storage bin, a place where we keep our plans, the expectations that we have of people and things, and our assumptions, what we think about people or things.

     Also, when I read the article, people can usually become involved, or they can become distracted by their consciousness. When I read the article, it gave me a different insight on what awareness and consciousness is all about. When a person is conscious, they are awake, and active, but they may or may not be aware of the transformation. It is almost like a dream, you are conscious, but may or may not be aware.

     After reading the article, in order to truly transform, you must be able to change into a different kind of consciousness and awareness, in order to get a direct transformation into a new person, one who is in harmony with the world and their surroundings

How does the way your parents socialized you to understand your social class differ from the way the popular media does? How about your understanding of your gender? How about your understanding of sexual relations?

     Social class is different from what the media leads you to believe. Social class is usually low, middle, upper-middle, and high. The media definition of social class is “anyone who has a lot of money, and can make friends really fast, and still remain popular.” The only problem about this definition is that it does not explain the true meaning of the social class. That is the problem with the popular media’s definition of social class.

     My parents have socialized me to understand my social class by financial means. The reason why is because social class is defined by how much money you make. True, it may be by your status sometimes, but it was mostly about the finances. Many people’s families define their social class by their financial means. With that, the government usually has programs to help people to climb towards their average social class.

     The understanding of my gender that I was socialized and raised to act, dress, think, and feel like a girl. I was also raised to think that girls should be submissive, dependable, kind, nice, and sweet. True, I may be physiological like a girl, but I am more of a feminist, in a revolutionary way. The reason why is because over time, as you get older, you start to see things in the female gender that has happened throughout history. I have read about it, and I have felt that it is not fair in this aspect, so I would believe that women and men should be equal.

     The understanding of sexual relations goes like this: “No sex before marriage.” True, two people meet, fall in love, probably get married, have sexual relations, and start a family. This was the lesson taught for years. But it is more than that. My parents have taught me that sexual relations involve more that the physical parts, it is interrelated. My understanding of sexual relations is that it is important for a relationship, but it is important that the other person (usually male) to understand and respect you before and after the sexual relation.

Why are rites of passages important? Discuss Facing Mt Kenya, Sitting Quietly and the Sambia. What is the relationship of rites of passage to formal education?

     Rites of passages are important for every group. The reason why the rite of passages is important is because of the fact that they go through a transitional period of their life. Transitions are usually for boys and girls. In some cultures, in their unique rite of passage, there are rituals that they perform, to help the boys and girls transition into adulthood, rites that usually go along with a person’s social standing, and rites that goes through important events in time.

     Reading the different types of rites of passages made me take a different look at culture from a transitional point. Usually, when teenage boys and girls goes through a rite of passage, what usually end up happening is that they would get their driver’s license, have sweet sixteen’s quinces, bat and bar mitzvah, and many other forms of passages. The relationship of rites of passages is related education because of the fact that education goes through different stages.

     Take for example; a student is going into college. Going to high school is considered a rite of passage, due to the fact that they are transitioning from a teenager to a young adult. These articles are related to education because they signify a transitional period. True, it may be a whole different view, but if it is looked at closely, they are interrelated, because in education, they are usually transitions form elementary to high school and beyond.

"Tale of Two Islands"

     Reading the “Tale of Two Islands” was an eye opener for me. Reading the article helped me see what the United States is all about. For years, they have told us nothing about Haiti’s Revolution, or Haiti being the first Black Republic in the world. The textbooks that they are expecting the students to read are filled with so many inaccurate facts; I sometimes wonder if it is the correct history book that is given to public school students.

     When I have read the article, I have discovered the things that occurred in Haiti, were racist, economic, history, and politically motivated. Given the facts that were in the article, I have finally understood what exactly happened in Haiti in February 2004. Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the democratically elected president of Haiti, was ousted. Many people believed that he was ousted because of the fact that he stole money from the poor. It was incorrect information. Aristide was ousted because of the fact that he was fighting for the Haiti’s poor. Jean-Bertrand Aristide invested in many important projects, but apparently, the rich countries did not want that to happen.

     When I read the article, it also made me think about the wet-foot, dry-foot policy that was enacted by Congress. When that policy was enacted, it basically gave Cubans a right to stay in the country, if they touch land. If Haitians make it to the land, they get deported. This policy is racist. United States is saying that “We will never forsake you”, in the wave of the earthquake, but yet, they have done it too much in the past, time and time again, through these racist policies.

     I am trying not to be one-sided to Haiti, but Haiti deserves to be admitted just as Cubans. Cubans are crying “wolf!” Because of the Castro regime, this mainly involved communism. At least they have most of the available items that Haiti does not. When Haiti “wolf!” even for legitimate reasons, as we have seen time and time again, they do not get the help that they receive. They are sent back home to a country where resources, and social service are scarce. I understand that the United States was embarrassed by Castro, but that was in the past, and what they are doing now, is a classic case of racism. To me, for everything that Haiti has done for the United States, clearly, When the United States needs help; I truly hope that this motto applies: “Do unto others as you would want others to do to you.”

How would you have liked to be one of the "Little Rock Nine?" How do you think you would have reacted to the fact that you needed armed guards to enter school? How would you have reacted to the shouts and slurs of those on the streets who didn't want to see you in that building?

     In the past, schools used to be segregated. The clause that they had, “Separate, but equal”, is an understatement. During the period of desegregating and integrating, there were problems, threats, protests, and controversies that permeated through the schools, when it came to the issue of education. Also, it got to the point during Little Rock Nine era where they had armed guards just to take them to school so that they can learn.

     To be one of the Little Rock Nine, it would be surprising. The reason why is because of the fact that I would need armed guards just to take me to school so that I can learn. Also, I would have felt livid because of the fact that I, as a person of color, would need guards to take me to school, because of people who did not want a colored person to get an education. Also, I would have ignored the comments and still attend school to continue to my education.

     I would have reacted the same way that the Little Rock Nine did. Even with the guards, I would have continued to be upbeat and cheerful, knowing that I have made history, so that other students of color can get their education. What the Little Rock Nine did was an accomplishing feat that no other person has done. To go to school with the guards, and to make sure that you get an education, will be the important event in the history of education.

What new insights have you gained about culture and intercultural competence?

     Art, rituals, customs, protocols, rules, traditions, and gender roles, are part of culture. A culture is defined as a group of people who follow a set of rules, customs, and traditions related to that person’s particular ethnic group. Also, people interpret culture in many ways. They interpret culture by their social customs. For example, the Hispanic community celebrates coming-of-age festivities. When the girls turn 15, they have a quince, to welcome the girl into womanhood. Another example of the social tradition is for the Jewish community. When a Jewish boy turns 13, they hold a bar mitzvah. When a Jewish girl turns 13, they hold a bat mitzvah. Many other cultures have their own language, social norms, and the like, in which future educators will be dealing with when interacting with the students and their parents.

     The thoughts that I have gained about cultural understandings is that there are several different forms of cultural understandings. You have several different definitions on the aspects of culture. I have always thought that culture was just based on certain beliefs, values, morals, and social norms. Reading the Article has taught me that there are different forms and definitions of culture. The different types and definitions are Topical, Historical, when they trace their ancestors, Behavioral, when we have a certain way on how to behave, Normative, meaning the social norm of their culture, Functional, meaning on how they function in society, Mental, Structural, and Symbolic forms of culture.

     The thoughts that I have gained about intercultural competence is that reading the article, has widened my understanding about intercultural competence. I have always thought that intercultural competence means to accept and have knowledge about one’s culture. It is totally different.

     To be interculturally competent, we must be able to fully understand the context of one’s culture. We must be able to understand how they see things. Also, to be interculturally independent, we must have a unique ability to function well in other cultures, besides our own, as if we were naturally part of that culture. It is important for a future educator to understand the cultural aspect because it is important in communicating effectively with the students and their parents who come from different cultures and backgrounds.

In the case study, Sam questions why she needs to be in a diversity course. What experiences have you had that might lead you to say that you are well-prepared for diversity? In what areas do you feel well-prepared?

     In the beginning of the chapter, Sam was explaining about her background that has led her to become a teacher, and also, the same background that led her into the required diversity course. True, she may have met a couple of different people with different backgrounds at her volleyball team, and she may feel like her team is multicultural, but when in a public school, the whole field of diversity changes. It is not your typical diverse “college volleyball team”.

     When going through diversity in a public school, it is not your typical “White kids, Black kids, a rich house, and a dog in the yard” scenario. Diversity comprises those of different ethnic backgrounds, such as Asian, Latino, Chinese, Haitian, African, and many others. Diversity does not stand on race and ethnic background alone. Diversity also stands on those who have different abilities, different families, different backgrounds, and different religions.

     The experiences that I have had that have lead me to diversity is that I have volunteered with students throughout all socio-economic levels, different ethnic backgrounds, and those with diverse abilities. At Miami Central, I have volunteered with students who have disabilities, and those who did not have disabilities. In addition, I have volunteered with those who were below poverty level. In addition, I have volunteered with those who were Haitian-American, African-American, White, and Interracial.

     The areas of diversity that I feel well prepared in are the social and cultural change of the student demographics. For example, I have noticed that the students’ beliefs and social attitudes on the things that were once important to the previous generation have changed. Also, there is a change in the cultural shift too. Many people are now multicultural, and you have some people that follow two cultural teachings.

     Therefore, diversity is important to every future educator, because you catch a glimpse of the different types of students that will be in your classroom. A majority of them will not be your typical average student in only one category. Recognizing the differences in each student will help me become an effective educator by understanding them.

What are paradigms? What is a paradigm shift? Have you had one? Why is it important for teachers to experience paradigm change?

     The comprehension of a particular subject, or area, or information that has no training is known as a Paradigm. It gives the person a knowledgeable point of view and its point of view. For example, a paradigm is when a person has a knowledge base in a particular field. For example, the difference between a Special Education teacher’s point of view and a parent’s point of view is that one may see the students differently than the parent of that student. If a parent walks in and see the student disruptive, the parent may view the teacher as having poor classroom management, as otherwise, the teacher would view the student’s behavior as an aspect of their condition or behavior.

     When the same situation occurs, but there are changes to its outcome, it is known as a Paradigm shift. During the Paradigm shift, the situation is the same, except when it is experienced, the whole belief about that particular incident and belief changes. For example, for a teacher believes that all students should be able to control themselves, and to behave in the proper manner. When a situation happens, and not all students perform up to the expectations of the teacher, the situation changed the teacher’s belief and knowledge base about the students. The teacher comes to the realization that not all students are exactly alike.

     To be honest with you, I had a paradigm shift. The paradigm shift happened when I first started volunteering at Miami Central’s Autism Department. I came with the belief that a couple of students will be extremely difficult to manage. When I was faced with the same situation at Booker T. Washington Senior High, my belief about the students changed, because not all students are exactly alike.

     The reason why it is important for a teacher to experience a paradigm shift because the teacher will be making the educational decisions that will affect the lives of their students. The teacher will be deciding hoe the educational material will be planned out in order for their student to get the maximum benefit of learning. In addition, teachers need to experience a paradigm shift because they will be responsible for the educational lives of students. Experiencing the paradigm shift will not only challenge you educationally, but it will challenge the beliefs that you once held, the attitudes that you once had, the values that you once upheld, and most importantly, your beliefs.

     Also, experiencing a paradigm shift will allow you to go through the complexes in the public school system. When a future educator goes through a paradigm shift, it will also allow you to make a very important decision that not only affects you and your classroom, but also the students and their parents.

What insights have you gained from your reading of the prehistoric human use of fire, the invention of the wheel and the history of writing? Why as a pre-teaching intern are you being asked to read this kind of material?

     The information that was gained from reading Of the Prehistoric Human Use of Fire is that humans have the unique ability to adapt to different environments by using one of the earth’s elements. Also, reading this article gave the reader a completely different look on how fire was created. Many people believe that fire was invented out of the blue, and that there were limited uses for fire. After reading this article, the information that was presented showed at some point, humans have found a way to control and use fire for their daily needs. Therefore, fire was mostly used to also cook the meats and other produce that they have collected.

     Reading the Invention of the Wheel, when the wheel was invented, man was able to put the new invention to good use, such as carrying supplies and equipment from place to place, as it is done today. The information that I have gained is that when early human invented the wheel, they have found a way to create a tool that removes the burden of things for the common man, such as carrying items, equipment, tools, and many more. If it was not for the early invention of the wheel, we would not be able to transport some of the things that we have now.

     The information that I have gained from reading The History of Writing is that language was used to communicate. Language was used in many ways and in forms, it was necessary to record history throughout time. Whether the language was used in a form of writing, or pictures, it shows that early human was coming up with ways to communicate with each other. If it was not for the written language, we would have no records, or communication of the events that has occurred in time.

     Pre-Teachers, as future educators, must have the solid base and knowledge about history. Before we can teach others, we must know the information and history, regardless of the specialty, whether it is education, science, or math. Therefore, the only reason why that we have advance so far into the 21st century is because of the inventions that was made in the early periods of human civilization.

Transformation: A Beginning & Transformation: Creating Context, Part 1.

   Reading both of the articles was an eye opening experience for me. Many people have their own definition about what constitutes a transformation. To me, a transformation is a makeover. Even though a makeover consists of the usual physical alteration, it also consists of an emotional, character, mental, and spiritual transformation. Many people can say that they changed, but did they really? I can change my look, but I am the same person. Transformation does not work just by physical appearance alone.

   Reading the articles has given me some insight on how I view the world. The article explained on how an abused child would view him/her self. An abused child would view him or herself as an old piece of cloth; dirty, used, and unattractive to look at. With therapy, a child can undergo a transformation to help them heal from the abuse that they have suffered.

   Not only does transformation improve one’s life, it also focuses on reinventing ourselves. When we fully transform ourselves, we reinvent several aspects of our transformation. Several people experienced a spiritual transformation. When going through a spiritual transformation, people have explained that they felt something of a divine power that has intervened in their lives, to make it better for them.

   The article has also explained about a mental and emotional transformation. The main focus on these two aspects of transformation is that when going through a mental transformation, you are changing how you view the world around you. For example, a person may view Miami as a bad place to live in. This is where the emotional part comes in.

   The person may feel that Miami is a bad place to live in because of all the violence, schools, houses, and people. When going through a transformation, it changes the person’s feelings and mindset about a place. Both the mental and emotional aspects of the transformation are interrelated.

   My reaction to the article is that it was interesting on how they have also explained about transforming your attitudes on different people, by race, ethnicity, origin, nationality, sex, and culture. In aspect, in order for us to truly feel that we have transformed, we must fully embrace everything around us.

Biography and Statement of Purpose

The motto that I follow:

    “My Brother, My Motivation. Jean Claude, I realize that you are a very unique brother, even through the face of Autism; you have a hidden capability inside of you. I realize that I must ensure you all of the opportunities that everyone else has. Therefore, failure will NEVER be an option for me. Many people do not realize that you have knowledge far beyond our basic human comprehension.”

    To start with, my name is Nadine Pierre. I am 19 years old. I have chosen the field of education because I always wanted to teach the younger generation of students. I am currently a Special Education major at Miami Dade College. I have taken two classes related to my major, EDF 1005, and EEX 2000. Afterwards, I plan to attend Florida State University for their Special Education Bachelors/Master’s Program. The reason why I have chosen a field in Special Education is because of my brother. Working with Jean has allowed me an insight into those who have disabilities. After working with Jean and his class, I felt right at home with Exceptional Students. They give you a different insight into how they view the world.

    As a future educator, my purpose of education is to act as a guide for the student to learn the skills that are necessary to succeed in life, regardless of disability or not. Also, my second purpose as an educator is to show the student that they are several different things to learn in life. As an educator, we cannot complain about the small things that go on in education, such as pay, pensions, and other small matters. I believe that we must be concerned for our students, and to ensure that they receive the best education available. Even though people complain about education, I feel that choosing Special Education is the best decision I have ever made.