Last Blog by HD

This final blog is hard for me to write. It’s hard to say goodbye to these classes and professors. I love these subjects. Social justice is part of why I got into teaching. I wanted to change how other people think, and I wanted to change how I think. I’m worried that going forward these topics won’t be as thoroughly addressed because we’ll be focused on curriculum subjects. I’m afraid to say goodbye to these classes because I’m afraid that I’ll stop growing. I know that half of the battle is becoming aware of the system in which we’re in. But I want to do more. There are readings that I will have to go back to again and again because they are so evocative and eye opening. I feel like I can never stop changing and growing, especially in my perception of equity issues, diverse cultures, and justice. There is always more to know and more depth of understanding to reach. I wish that we could meet and talk about these issues as a cohort, as a nation.

One of the most memorable parts of the course was watching the film “Boys of Baraka.” We’ve been discussing theory all along, and this film gave me a face and environment to analyze through the lenses of those theories. The emotion was so raw in that film, and the issues so current. To think that people are going through these struggles right at this moment is hard to take. It hurt from my insides, but it inspired me. The boys, families, and some of the counselors were truly amazing people. I felt such powerful, raw emotions. Love, fear, disappointment, hope. When the film ended I wanted more. Where are those boys now? What are they doing, and what are they thinking about? What do think about themselves? How are the families doing? What became of the Baraka School?

This is my last blog for a class assignment. I’ve loved this class. Thank you Zalika for all your ideas, comments, suggestions, and questions. I hate goodbyes. I’m such as sap! See you all tomorrow in class. Take care.