Reflective Essay On Urban Education

Prior to coming to Memphis, I knew a lot about urban education and how to work on gaining racial reconciliation. I had experienced an urban school setting previously during one of my field experiences and have worked with and served the poor for many years. I knew a lot of different causes of poverty and how backgrounds can influence children’s learning. Yet, I realized after being here, I did not know the extent of poverty in a city like Memphis as I thought I knew how the justice system worked and why the things were the way they were. I did not think “white privilege” was as big of an issue as it truly is. I believed in the justice system and I believed in the police being fair and equal. I did not realized how privileged I am simply because of the color of my skin or economic status. Previous to being part of this city, I did not know human dignity was still being fought for and equality of education was not truly being given. However after being here, I realized that I did not know as much as I thought I did in terms of restoring dignity to people and communities through urban education.
Coming to Memphis, Tennessee, was the best thing that has ever …show more content…
When he spoke upon instilling leadership qualities into our children at our schools, it greatly resonated with me. His call to action to love the children of our school well and inspire them to make a difference in their community really stuck with me. At my school, Cornerstone Prep, I enjoyed working with the more defiant students. I strongly believe that the people hardest to love need the most love. I continually tried to invest in the students that were difficult to connect with. My goal was, and still is, to impact and pray for those students. I know that they will be leaders in their community someday and my prayer is that they will positively contribute their community and built it up. I will continue to pray for my students even after this experience is