I am a teacher. I believe it is my job and my obligation to broaden my students’ scope of the world.
It is also equally important that I broaden my understandings and knowledge.
Over the past fourteen years, I have taught children from many parts of the world. They all want the same thing. They want to be valued and recognized. Valued as a culture, nationality or religion and as individuals. My bangles remind of global citizenship.
I took the picture of my hand wearing copper and teal stoned bangles. Every
time I wear them I get complimented on how beautiful they are. Sometimes
from friends but mostly from my ELL students. I get asked if I bought them
in India or Pakistan. I say they were made in India but I didn’t buy them in
India. My students then take the opportunity to tell me how their mothers,
grandmothers or aunties wear them. They love to see me wear and appreciate
something beautiful from their country. Often this leads into a discussion
about their countries and how people dress. I tell them that one day I hope
to travel through East Asia. I then, tell my students I bought the bangles,
in a boutique in the Domincan Republic when I was on a family holiday. They
are surprised but happy that so many other cultures, even a small country in
the Caribbean appreciate designs from East Asia.
My students love to hear that I value and have a desire to learn about
where they come from. Global citizenship is seeing and recognizing the
value all people bring to the world.
Raya, Toronto, Ontario
