By Linda Herath
On July 3, 1993, I woke up. I left my air-conditioned three story house on the water, for a one-week long stay on the floor of an abandoned school in the mountains. Mingo County, West Virginia was the destination and working was the agenda for the week. No amount of training could have prepared me for the cultural shock I was about to experience. The Appalachian Service Project changed my life and my perception about America forever. For the first time in my life I was out of my “bubble” and saw a side of the United States we all choose to forget.
For five days I helped to build a roof on a crippled trailer that a young family has been living in. Luxuries I had always taken for granted such as bathrooms, running water, and heat were unknown to this family. Where was I ? How could this be the land of prosperity and wealth ? So much confusion and denial ran through my mind that I had to collect my thoughts. I would take showers in the community showers, put on my clean clothes, organize my possessions for the next day but I could not ignore my conscious. Why did this happen to these people ? Bad luck put them in poverty, but family strength kept them wealthy. Nestled in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains was a whole culture that I had never seen. Generosity was their law. These people have nothing, but offer everything. A society that is relaxed, honest, and full of family values became a part of my life for one week; but in my heart forever. These people were happy. They did not care if their car was in the shop, or if the stock market crashed. Day by day, moment by moment, making each day the happiest fills their thoughts.
After this trip I had a lot of time for reflection on my experiences. I became much more involved in my community and resolved some family problems as well. I saw the other side of the coin. I laughed at their jokes. I cried with their fears. I felt their joy. I experienced their pain. I respect them and now they respect me. Not only is Mingo County West Virginia a different society, it is its own world. I had entered a different bubble... mine finally popped.
Hearing my alarm at 8:00 AM on a Saturday morning did not thrill me (or my roommate) at all. Being required to be somewhere at 9:00 AM did not exactly put a smile on my face either. "Where are you going?" asked my half asleep roommate with one opened eye. "Another requirement for Cultural Diversity, an all day one!" I replied ever so sarcastically.
When I reluctantly walked into the room where the workshop was being held I found a few other sleepy, unfamiliar faces and two bright and cheery faces. These sunny faces belonged to Judy Greene and Latitia Greene, the moderators of the workshop for the day. Automatically I'm thinking this is going to be a Stuart Smally "I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, and Dog-gone-it People Like Me" sort of deal.
Thankfully, I was way off. The workshop started out a bit awkwardly, but Judy and Latitia quickly broke the ice and got things rolling. Right away everyone introduced themselves and told some personal details. Pre-lunch activities also included celebrating each person's diversity. By lunch time, this all day requirement turned out to be a great experience.
After lunch we explored different discrimination issues. This may turn some people off, but it was not a "save the world/solve racism" kind of thing. The activities and discussions dealt with more personal solutions within one's self. Several brave people in the group told their own personal stories of discrimination. This was the best part of the workshop for me because it was the most sincere and meaningful. One personal story brought out an important point. The story was about childhood and how cruel children could be. This made the whole day come together for me. As an education major and future teacher, I took this story very seriously. I now felt that I was coming away from the NCBI workshop with something helpful. That something is, the goal to do my part in teaching children not to hate, or judge, and to treat all people equal.
If this type of workshop interests you, I strongly encourage you to go. It is an experience I would especially recommend for all future teachers.
After my first visit to the Latin American Community Center, in Wilmington DE, I came to understand why it is important for me as a future teacher to learn about cultures other than my own. As two of my classmates and I sat in the van that would take us to the center, I felt very nervous and scared. I wondered about what type of neighborhood it would be, the quality of the building, and the types of kids I would be encountering. I questioned whether I would be welcomed by the children and if my help would be excepted. In class, we have been discussing the importance of keeping an open mind, but still I found myself pulling stereotypes from the record in my mind.
Upon entering the building I was immediately impressed. The building was well maintained and laid out in a way that is ideal for academic pursuit. There were many computers and recreational equipment available to the children . Instead of finding children that looked aggressive, I found ones that looked innocent.
The child I was paired with to tutor did not look Hispanic and so I quickly forgot my prejudices. He was a great kid, even though like most kids his age he did not want to do his work. He continually lied to me about what work he had to do. However, the LACC, through close communication with his teacher at school, is able to acquire a list of his weekly assignments.
Toward the end of our session I began to feel frustrated with this child because he decided to sit and do nothing instead of completing his work. I did not understand why a child, as bright as he was, might be so resistant to doing his work. I began to feel like a failure because our communication had broken down somewhere, and I no longer had control. I was having a great deal of difficulty relating to him.
After I completed the tutoring session, I was informed of the boy's home life. His mother is incarcerated, and his father lives far away. He lives with his grandmother, who does not speak English. I wonder if his poor academic achievment stems partially from his teacher's lack of understanding of this him, as I feel my ignorance effected him.
On the way back to the University, the driver of the van introduced us to a concept I had not thought of: many of the children at the center are forced to grow up faster than other children their age, because they are faced with grown up situations early on in life. This would undoubtedly have an effect on a child's priorities and way he looks at his education.
At first, I was frustrated by the tutoring session, but now that I have had time to reflect on it I am eager to learn more about the children at the center. As a teacher, I can have an effect on students like the ones at the center and after my first session, I realize that the only way I am going to have a positive effect and make a difference in their lives is if I understand their culture.
Diane Finnegan
Susan Spingler
From the van ride, to the snack time, to the computer time, to the actual tutoring time, there's never a dull moment. For approximately fifteen Cutural Diversity students, who go on mondays or wednesdays, this routine is becoming very farmiliar. At first it was nerve-racking, but now as we start to get into the swing of things it's a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.
The afternoon starts with a van ride. Picture this: a little five foot person trying to control a monsterous fifteen person van on a congested highway and through the confusing streets of downtown Wilmington. You are bound to run a few stop signs, or bump over a few curbs along the way. Especially when you have 7-8 girls all shouting different directions at the driver.
Arriving on the first day there was a lot of nervous anticipation among the tutors. Honestly, it was quite intimadating walking into a strange classroom with about twenty unfirmiliar fifth and sixth graders staring at you. The first priority is to meet the children and to get them to feel comfortable with you. Here comes the tough part: getting them to settle down and start some work. Once they start their work, our task is to try and keep them focused and help them with any difficulties they might encounter. After an hour of homework, they get a fifteen minute snack break. This is a great time to socialize with the kids and watch them interact with each other.
We now head to the computer room, where the U of D students get a little lesson in how touse the computers from the bancroft children. There are a variety of programs for the children to explore. These programs encourage the development in a number of areas, including math, writting, drawing, creativity, and fine motor.
After two hours at Bancroft, it's time to head back to campus. In the I-95 rush hour traffic we have plenty of time to reflect, compare notes, and we always seem to run into one or two interesting characters along the way.
The community service assignment at first seemed like a burden and a bother, but now we find ourselves looking forward to it. The main purpose of going to Bancroft isn't just to help them with their homework. More importantly we provide the guidance, companionship, attention, and support that children so desperately need. Not to mention the wonderful feeling you have when you do help the child. The children appreciate your presence immensely. It is wonderful to watch them come out of their shells and start to trust you. Dedicating your time and efforts to the children is a worthwhile service you give not just to the community, but also to yourself.
T. Dalby
In today's society kids look up to many people as role models. In schools kids may look up to their teachers or principals, but in high schools athletics they look up to the coaches and officials. There is much less racial tension on the athletic field than in the classroom, so it is the responsibility of the coaches and officials to help to foster in the players the important ideas of athletics that are everyday life lessons, teamwork and good sportsmanship.
For years the officials and coaches have tried to instill these ideas on the young players, by making each teams shake hands after the game and calling fouls for unsportsmenlike conduct. Now the officials seem to have forgotten about these ideas.
In recent weeks African-American officials have decided to boycott the Delaware High School Basketball State tournament. The African-American officials feel that they have been discriminated against having an opportunity to officiate the late rounds of the tournament. The tournament uses a merit system, to select officials. The officials for the late round games are elected by the coaches and their peers. A new rotating plan has been recommended and will be evaluated later this spring. There is merit to this reevaluation. This entire situation has taken the spotlight off the student athletes and the tournament, the highlight of the players' season.
African-American referees can be a positive role model for players of all races. Discrimination is one thing we do not want to teach the young athletes, but rather a willingness to negotiate. Officials need to continue to be a visible role model on the courts to encourage players of all races. High school teams consist of players of all races who work together for a common goal.
The officials are important role models to the High School athlete. They are suppose to be examples of teamwork and good sportsmanship. When this breaks down the effects don't hurt just the officials, but the kids who are playing. Maybe now it's time for the officials to look at the players to learn how to work together, to improve the situation and return the spotlight to the players. The referees need to realize their faults before they are whistled for an unsportsmenlike foul.
Tammy Tango
How many times have you read this ad or one similar to it? When I walk past a sign like this I immediately feel guilty. I find myself thinking, " If only there were more hours in the day".
This semester I am enrolled in EDST 258 which is a multicultural education class that requires volunteer work. When I registered I realized that I would have to make enough time in my daily schedule to be able to meet the requirements. At first I was annoyed at the demand of my time but, then I realized that it was purely for my benefit. When the course started I began to think about the possible places that I could spend three hours a week but the choices were immense and the decision was hard. After attending the volunteer fair at the University I thought I found the perfect place. The Newark Day Care Center was my first choice. It was close to campus and it involved working with young children. I began to question my choice after I realized that I had very limited multicultural experience. I am from a small town on the Jersey shore and most of the residents are white. I have not had the experience of being around different cultures. I heard about the University's partnership with the Latin American Community Center and I decided it would be better to experience a new culture.
My main purpose for being involved with the center is to help the staff tutor the children with their homework. The program is very structured and the tutoring and recreation demands are handled by Mary Duggan. I was very surprised to see that the U of D alumni was not much older then myself or my classmates. Her job entitles a lot more then most full time positions. She has the responsibility of caring for and controlling disadvantaged children. I was taken back by Mary's seemingly simple job description. Listening to her speak it was clear to see that she takes extreme pride in her work. As she spoke to me and the other class members who travel to Wilmington on Wednesday nights, one sentence stood out, " I am emotionally involved with my job, I have to be because these are my kids and I love every one of them". Love and attention are definitely two of the most needed emotions at the center and I watched as all of the children received them. The staff was both caring and disciplined which helps all of the children receive much needed guidance. The children were polite and courteous which was helpful to me in my new situation. Even the occasional language boundary did not pose a big problem. I enjoyed volunteering at the LACC. My help was appreciated by the staff and the rewards I received from the children were limitless.
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