Growing up, I went to a Catholic school and went to church each week. I was told what to wear and what to learn (and the best practices to learn the information). Each day, I did not have to worry about what I needed to wear as it was laid out for me or what the cafeteria was serving for lunch (we did not have a cafeteria, we had different places deliver us food each day). This was something that I never understood much about until I started middle school. I was a straight-A student in religion and struggled with reading and received support for it.
But that all changed when I started middle school. Once I knew of the change I was very nervous. I never had to pick out my own clothes before or even know what to do when it came to using a locker. It was a huge change for me. I now was not receiving any ASI support when it came to my reading or my writing. I now had to fend for myself in an environment that was brand new to me. Learning in the new environment also played a large part in how I retained the information. It was a hard transition when working with new teachers as well as having more students in a class that I was used to. I also felt as I was learning more once I came to a public school. I was able to see more and more diversity when it came to public school (race, religion, economic status). This caused me to want to learn more about the new environment I was in.
From this, I was able to learn more about being diverse and knowing that everyone comes from a different background. This also helped me to see some of the different aspects of diversity and how it can impact students and their learning. This has helped me to see how students can come from all different walks of life and to be understanding of students' lives. Many students may not have the same experiences as other students and may not have had a diverse classroom experience.
Hi Alexis!! Thank your for sharing this story. I grew up only going to public schools and by sharing this story I learned a bit about a private school experience. I never considered the limitations and restrictions that comes with going to a private school. Your anxiety and nervousness about making choices (eve simple ones as what to wear) was justified, especially being the first time you had to make such decisions. I appreciated how you realized the benefits of being at a public, diverse school and what it had to offer. Thanks again for sharing such a personal story and offering ME a perspective I would have never known.
Hey Alexis! Thanks so much for sharing your perspective. I appreciate your honesty and openness. I went to public school my entire life, and never thought about my colleagues that didn't have the same experience- I suppose I should take a minute to appreciate what I had growing up. Was the transition challenging for you? Did you find any pushback when you began your public school education?
I appreciate you sharing a personal story, it takes guts!