Kelley Fowler: First Reflection

In the next three weeks, I will be boarding a plane to India which is so surreal. I never dreamed that I would ever be able to travel to India but due to the amazing help from the College of Education, Gabrielle and all the donors this trip was made possible. In preparation for the trip, I have been reading books about Indian culture and current issues that are affecting the country. I have gained a lot of insight about the country and the differences/similarities between the U.S. However, I understand that no amount of reading will prepare me for the experience that lies ahead. As I sit here anticipating my upcoming journey, I am filled with so much excitement about student teaching alongside special educators at DPS-North and all the amazing people whom I will meet during my six weeks in India. I foresee that this experience will have a transformative effect upon my self-efficacy as a future special educator and as a person. I am most excited about the people I will meet, the things that I will see and the memories that I will make. I know that I will experience challenges in adjusting to the language barrier, the food and new cultural customs. I am prepared to meet these cultural differences by keeping an open mind and try to learn more about the cultural customs. I can learn more about the Indian Cultural through getting to know people in the new setting and respectfully ask questions. Additionally, I can overcome the language barrier by being respectful, trying to learn some basic conversational words and learn to be ok with making mistakes. I am nervous about how I will assimilate into the school community and Indian culture. However, I know that these challenges will only make me more compassionate, better and more knowledgeable of India’s unique cultural heritage. As a pre-service teacher, I have only taught within the American Education System and therefore I am excited to see how other countries education systems function. Specifically, how students with disabilities are taught in other countries and different perspectives on Special Education. I cannot wait to share American traditions with the students and staff at DPS-North. Likewise, I am excited to learn from my students and the school personnel at DPS-North. Furthermore, I am excited to share my experiences in India with my students in the fall at Oakland Middle School and broaden their perspective on the world. I believe that the experience abroad will ensure that I am a more culturally competent and more compassionate teacher. I think that these two traits are essential for effectively teaching and developing strong relationships with students. Especially, teaching in the U.S which is such a diverse country with people who have a variety of different cultural backgrounds.Therefore, it is critical to be exposed to other cultural groups and new experiences that broaden one’s perspective. Finally, I think that by approaching this experience with flexibility, respect, compassion, and a willingness to understand then it will make this trip transformational.