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.