Reflecting back on our Learning Exchange Group, I had a worthwhile and intriguing experience speaking with the elders at our table. Alice, Billie, and Cecelia were excited to hear about our personal career goals and college experiences thus far. Alice brought up her recent attendance at an education-related panel that discussed various topics such as teaching adolescents in a way that encourages interactive learning in which students don’t even realize that they’re learning. She proceeded to ask if any of us had an interest in pursuing teaching, during which the whole group turned to look at me because just prior to this conversation, I was sharing with a few classmates that I have been offered a position at Johns Hopkins University to work as a teaching resident and transition to a full-time teaching position. It was interesting to hear Alice’s ideas about how to transform education in a way to have students utilize technology to benefit their learning. Moreover, the activity in which we imagined an ideal community for individuals of all ages was very engaging and eye-opening to be a part of. As a group, we learned that as students, we had similar desires as to what Alice, Billie, and Cecelia prioritized. We discussed the importance of having civil engagement, transportation, and green space in the community. We agreed that it was vital that those who live in the neighborhood have a community council in which they can participate or visit to voice their opinions on recommendations to improve the area. We also believed it would be meaningful for all residents to have relationships with one another encouraged through the ways in which homes were designed to have open balconies that face public areas or community events at local parks. After participating in the activity, I realized that there are many improvements we can make for the neighborhoods in San Diego and that adopting these changes is extremely worthwhile.
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Monique SimArchives
June 2018
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