When I was a child growing up in a predominately white school in a predominately white town in a all white family, I knew that as a biracial (black and white) person that I would face obstacles that my family couldn’t relate to. I had teachers who loved my friends but who put me at the back of the room, or would tell my parents “you have way to high of expectations for this child”. My parents instilled in me the importance of education and of supporting people, especially those who don’t have the same opportunities as I have had.

I was able to expand my horizons through travel, and my education in California. But, it was not until I went to Hunter for a semester that I found the shrill joy of being in a room full of diverse students with teachers who were more sensitive to our learning needs. This was the first time that I was just another person, and it was exhilarating. My career at Kingsborough has been an extension of that joy, and the longer I work here the more I am made of aware of the issues that face our students and I want to help.

I can now better see the need to make higher education more accessible for our array of learners.  I appreciate the opportunity to convert my Oral Interpretation Course to OER and ZTC because I recognize the financial strain that many of our students experience. I aim to also make my class more accessible for all learners, especially students with disabilities.

On a personal note, I want to be part of a greater community of fighting oppression and ignorance through education. Since beginning this course conversion I have learned about CUNY Commons and would like to use this as a tool to make my syllabus one that students will actually use. As I learn more, I can teach better. Converting this course forces me out of what has become comfortable and puts me in the position of a student. That perspective provides an opportunity to look at things from a student’s perspective, and think through how to economize their time so that learning can be engaging and not so much of a drain or intimidation.

I think back to my younger self and the lack of confidence that I often experienced due to being made (by some) to feel inferior. I appreciate that we are embracing the power of each individual who comes to us to learn. I can’t be more proud of my community and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this great mission.