Diversity to me means “Who we are?” It is a combination of our differences that shape our view of others, our perspective, and our approach. Diversity is about recognizing, respecting, and valuing differences based on race, gender, ethnicity, age, disability, religion, and sexual orientation. It is an infinite series of an individual’s unique characteristics and experiences tied with the communication style, career path, life experience, educational background, geographic location, income level, and class status all to influence personal perspectives. However, inclusion from my perspective means embracing all persons irrespective of race, gender, disability, medical needs, etc. It revolves around giving equal access and opportunities to others and removing all barriers that affect all aspects of public life for others. In an environment inclusion occurs when people feel valued, respected, and have a sense of belonging. In other words, diversity and inclusion are like a salad bowl because they are seen as a version of cultural diversity where each culture in a society maintains its unique identity. The elements included in the salad bowl don’t dissolve to become one rather each ingredient is individualistic.
I promise to sustain diversity and inclusion and look beyond the mere fact of diversity in creating the conditions for equity, belonging, and thriving. As a Muslim, I got to learn about other worldviews in my Orientation Class. I have learned about the Atheistic Dualism, Finite Godism, and many different worldviews. It led me to learn about diversity in an even more profound aspect. I thought while reading about other worldviews whether Islam will be mentioned and brought up. I was surprised to see it was amongst different worldviews. I never believed that Islam is a worldview due to the stereotypes carried with Islam. I felt accepted and respected. Trinity Christian College, the school I currently attend also has a worldview. It correlates with its mission and commitment to acceptance and diversity, bringing various people to an atmosphere defined by appreciation, equality, respect, and values. Trinity is not only about gaining knowledge and education. It is all about educating us for our future lives and being well equipped with the world. Trinity Christian College and its staff aim to build a community based on just, humanity, and care.
Service learning has exposed me to a different perspective. It positively directed me to understanding the problematic issues, helping others who are facing certain difficulties, promoting racial understanding, and being influenced by social values. It also taught me to stand in someone else’s shoes. In other words, it helped me think about the perspective and action of someone from a different culture than mine. Working in groups promoted to setting guidelines and expectations and was a great way to be exposed to diverse perspectives and working with others to explore and solve a problem. Coming from a culture where asking questions is being out of order, I have learned that asking questions is a norm that we can follow with discussion and disagreeing respectfully. It somehow gave me freedom and made me think creatively and helping me personalize my beliefs and thoughts while respecting and accepting others.
As a future teacher, I will act as a facilitator and encourage diversity and inclusion with my students in school and the community. I will put the effort in re-evaluating my teaching materials by working with other teachers. The goal will be to determine if I represent a wide range of voices in the curriculum. For example, for my students to learn about homelessness they will write a letter to the mayor addressing the issue and proposing solutions. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to address inequality by using language that promotes positivity and doesn’t reinforce existing stereotypes. Another would be responding immediately and effectively to non-sense comments and actions. Inclusion and acceptance will be modeled to my students by my actions. Students will be encouraged to share and discuss about the problems they witness in their school and on the media. Students will have the chance to have an honest discussion to learn about other viewpoints and together create a solution. I will invite guest speakers into the classroom, so my students learn about different people and their community. Students with the approval of their families will have a chance to go on fieldtrips to cultural events in our community. It will help students be exposed to a different environment and learn social values and manners.