Reflective Essay For Student Diversity

My own diverse cultural background, global education, and international work experience uniquely prepared me to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student population. Tatar by nationality, I grew up and studied in the technical university in Russia surrounded by cultures different from my own and learning to identify and value both the similarities and differences of people. My travel experiences in Europe and Central Asia taught me lessons of respect, patience, and understanding. Moving later to USA, I honed my design skills in CA studying side by side with international students that shaped my worldview and values. Currently I live, work, and teach in Orange County, one of the most diverse region of USA. During my teaching at Saddleback College over the past five years, I interacted with extremely diverse groups of students that differ not just culturally or ethnically, but also in ages, sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, learning styles, and in a range of goals and needs. My first teaching experience (summer introductory class) was the most striking example of student diversity: 16 year old twin sisters from high school, extremely shy and afraid to talk in front of others; 60 …show more content…
I offer my students a range of research topics to let them explore their own interests. In studios they receive options of project settings or a freedom to choose their own client that are relevant to their own lives and backgrounds. Real world assignments challenge the students to deal with the complex problems of society and understand specific user groups. For example, in the Codes class the “Wheelchair Accessibility “ assignment, where students asked to explore the campus being wheelchair bound, is the most appreciated from year to year. Students say that the experience being in a wheelchair is “eye opening” and makes them aware why they should comply with ADA