Be Bold. Be Courageous.

Take a moment to consider all the languages, cultures, and places in the world.

Take another moment to think about how you would explain “your story” to the world.

Do you believe you have something that we can learn from?

I do.

“in regards to pedagogical practices we must intervene to alter the existing pedagogical structure and to teach students how to listen, how to hear one another” (hooks, 1994, p. 150).

We are all shaped and influenced differently, and you have a unique story that just belongs to you.  Imagine if we all strived to learn from one another.  That alone is a reminder that education in a lifelong process.

In today's world, people are quick to judge and fear the unknown.  hooks (1994) recognized this issue not only within the education system, but from a global perceptive.  hooks looked at the big picture and demanded a movement of change.  I admire hooks for her boldness and courage.

As teachers, we shape our students in some form or fashion.  Specifically, as a communication instructors, we teach our students how to use their words and how to have a voice.  In our Comm 1010 courses, we educate our students to look past stereotypes, to advocate for their beliefs, to overcome fears, and to talk – and not just talk, but to know the power of words.

If have these expectations for our students, shouldn’t we have an obligation to fulfill the same?

As teachers, we must provide the environment that students feel that they can openly participate, bring their story into the content, and feel safe in doing so. 

Change is hard, and perhaps that ties into the idea of fearing the unknown.  hooks (1994) explained that many teachers fear the possibility of losing “authority” or “control” in the classroom.  I can honestly say I have been “that teacher”, but let me tell you something…you never had the control.  Accepting this will make your life so much easier.  I still struggle with this concept, but it is a work in progress that I encourage you to try for yourself!

Now, as we go into the downhill slope of this semester, our Comm 1010 courses have lectures on race, culture, and power.  I can choose to be fearful of “losing the control” (that I never had) or be courageous.

“to create a culturally diverse academy we must commit ourselves fully” (hooks, 1994, p. 33).

I am going to choose to commit myself fully, be courageous, and create an open dialogue in my classroom so that we can continue to learn from one another.