Event: Asian American/ Pacific Islander Heritage Month (Chapel Speech)

Lauren Smith-Kiewel gave a moving speech about her own coming to grips with her heritage. It was interesting to hear the viewpoint of a student who went through years without identifying herself as "Asian". I believe that as teachers we must celebrate diversity and help students see that they do not have to all be the same. Through the celebration of differences, then students who may be just as Lauren was, will not feel as isolated or alone.

A portion of Lauren's speech dealt with her choir going on tour to Norway and Sweden. There in Norway, they sang at a church run by Koreans. She stated her disbelief at the church pastor pointing her out as an "honor". She saw this instead as something far different. Lauren stated that it was then that she realized she was on the line between races and cultures. While she looked Asian, she could not identify with them, and although she was from the United States, she could still never quite feel like she was a true American. I believe that many students of race feel that they have to fit into the school system which in general, has Caucasian instructors and principals. These students themselves may also feel like they are on a line. They must be one way at home and another at school. As instructors we must be empathetic to these students and help them find their own identities.

Event: Gemma Burford (Diversity Series)

In my class Diverse and Exceptional Learner, we had Gemma Burford as a guest speaker. Gemma spoke about the educational procedures that she and her husband were trying to create in Tanzania. The major component of her lecture dealt with implementing "western" school styles into a country that did not have uniform standards. Also, the country had a number of students from the rural areas, who got most of their education from home.

The most interesting component of her lecture was their efforts to bring about change in a very traditional society. One example that Gemma gave was, in the school the students begin by learning how to write their own national language over the rural dialect which they normally spoke. By the time the students learn the basics of the national language, the school system then changes to English.

Gemma has been working hard to try to implement standards not only for the curriculum for the country, but also trying to create standards for teachers. I think that as a future educator, it is very interesting to hear the initial stages of an education program. There are many components to a successful education program, this lecture discussed the many variables in an education system, and what it takes to be successful.

Event: Hair

The musical Hair was an intense performance even though it was performed decades after it's original opening. I found that the connections made by performers to the situation today in Iraq was anything but subtle. Although, I am planning on teaching Elementary Education, I believe that the idea of this musical is important. When you feel like something is not right, you need to stand up and let your voice be heard. Students need to be themselves, this play showed the audience that it is not a bad thing to be who you are, and stand up for what you believe in.

Event: Ethnic Arts Festival

The Ethnic Arts Festival is a Festival that gives those students representing other countries a chance to show their own culture and heritage. This was done in various ways. A bazaar was organized which included tables with information about each country. Also, there was ethnic food in the cafeteria and music from around the world playing at the same time. Finally, there was the talent portion of the Festival. The performances included dances, singing, musicians and so on.

One of my good friends was involved in the talent portion of the festival for the second time. She was able to convey her own culture and style through a dance. To the audience, the music, dance, and style of dress was shown. I believe that this Festival is an important learning tool because there are so many aspects to it. Any time that students do not simply read about other cultures, but actually have to experience them, is always a far better learning experience.

Event: Black Student Union Talent Show

The Black Student Union (BSU) Talent show was a great example of the campus and surrounding community working together for a common goal. That goal was not only to raise funds for the many problems in the Sudan, it was also to raise awareness. Here in the United States, we are often ignorant to the worlds many problems. This talent show was a great way to bring the community together and educate ourselves about the outside world.

The Internet: Friend or Foe

The Internet and technology in general are hotly debated topics when incorporating them with education. I believe that that the Internet and technology offer promise when incorporated correctly. Education cannot be "left behind" when it comes to utilizing these tools. Various programs on computers or Internet web sites can help to enhance student learning. Technology cannot be ignored. Granted there are problems that will have to be addressed. Curriculum, teaching methods, etc all have evolved and have had problems that needed to be worked out. The same applies to technology and its use in education. Technology is promising in adding a new method of reaching students with difficult topics. A problem that I foresee is students becoming too dependant on technology. Technology, when used correctly to enhance learning, is an invaluable tool to education.

The Importance of Recess

Many time if you ask a young student what their favorite part of school is, they will answer with "recess". However, in many cases, with the need to raise test scores, many schools have been cutting recess and physical education time. Current studies have shown that this can be detrimental to students. Some go as far as to say that cutting recess leads to obesity in students. There are also suggestions that lack of physical activity decreases brain function. Another argument is that not having recess hurts the students' social networking. In my recent Ed 115 placement I worked in a setting where the Elementary aged students received one 20 minute recess each day. This in my opinion is simply not enough for young children. I have also heard from a classmate of mine that in the First Grade that she was placed in did not receive a single recess all day. This is unacceptable. Children need to have time to move, play, and explore their environments. School needs to promote healthy living, which includes physical activity. Schools are spending far too much time worrying about the scores of testing rather than worrying about the welfare of their students. Testing should not be priority one at all times in regards to the well being of students. Recess needs to be viewed as an important part of the day. It is a time for much needed physical activity, a break from the schoolwork, and finally a time to socialize and build friendships.