Final Reflection: 5183 Leading in Culturally Responsive Environments

 Final Reflection

Haylee Cannon

    During this class, I have had the fantastic opportunity to critically evaluate several components

of my life. I have appreciated making evaluations about not only who I am and my worldview but

also who others are and how they view the world. Both are of equal importance as they both

inform how we think and how we treat others.

    From the Autobiographical Reflection, I was able to examine the impact others had on me and

how their impact fits into my worldview today. This was a great reflection piece for me because it

allowed me to be intentionally grateful for the influence others have had on my life. Additionally,

it inspired me to do my best to inspire others. People are looking to be cared for, and I have the

wonderful opportunity to show my students how much I care about them by teaching them

everyday they’re in my classroom.

    The Border Crossings activity was by far the most difficult assignment for me to complete. It

forced me to sit in an environment that was highly irregular and slightly uncomfortable for me.

However, this only made the meaning more profound because I was reminded how this is the

life people are forced to face everyday. They don’t have the luxury to walk in and out of that life

or those circumstances. This reminds me to lead with grace as I interact with my students.

    The Dialectics assignment led to a very important lesson that having differing worldviews don’t

necessarily mean having different values. Although the details and practices of our respective

religions did not align, we both strongly believe in love, service, and grace. These qualities are

so important to carry through our lives. It’s far less important that every detail is aligned and far

more important that we embody our shared values as we aim to teach and love our students.

    The Pop Studies assignment was one of my favorites this semester because it’s based on a

topic I find very interesting. The glorification of pop culture elements in today’s society is highly

fascinating to me as it perpetuates the idea that we will give merit to things that are not worth of

holding such value. The finale of the Netflix series You issues a much needed challenge for

society to examine the possibility that part of the blame falls on us as the obsessed consumer.

When teaching, it’s important for me to praise and recognize only things that truly deserve it

instead of putting things unworthy on a pedestal.

    Finally, the Micro Studies assignment was very intriguing to me as it explored the rise to

unprecedented fame of Taylor Swift. I enjoyed researching the factors that contributed to her

level of success. I came to the conclusion that she is so successful because she makes people

feel connected and like a part of something. I will strive to do the same. When students are in

my classroom, I will aim to make sure they feel loved and cared for and remind them that I will

always be there for them.

    Overall, this class was highly beneficial as it reminds me of the importance of empathy. I believe

wholeheartedly that we should be able to think both critically and empathetically about our

world, and this course only reinforced this important philosophy.

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