Now that you know, what will you do?

Sonia Nieto’s talk “On Becoming Sociocultural Mediators” opened my eyes to a lot of new ideas. While we all can just about agree on the importance of culture and the ways it shapes us, I thought she approached the concept in a different way that really made an impact on my understanding of how to use it and help teach. I loved the way she said to learn your own values and explore your own privilege, followed by the idea of getting out into the neighborhood where you teach and learn more about their lives, explore the values of that area, the privilege or lack thereof in the area you will be teaching in. I think it is important, as an educator, to know where I, myself, stand and how my own personal experiences are going to vary from experiences of my students, in different ways for different students. Culture is an everyday basis and it is important to incorporate it into the everyday and not just diversity weeks or holiday celebrations. As I teach I know that I have to keep culture in mind and actively learn more about my students. I can’t just expect a generic student because generic students don’t exist, all are different. I need to teach in the mindset that every student will be unique. Now that I know and have listened to the importance of culture and the differences it will always put on different students, I know I have to be more aware of the constant effect culture will have and be adamant on never allowing myself to become content in thinking I know how every student will react or respond to something. Affirm your students, connect with them, and show you want to know who they are, not just as a student, but as a person.