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.