07:798, Selected Topics: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

In geology, an inclusion is defined as, “any material that becomes trapped within a rock or mineral during its formation” (stonemania.co, October, 2022). Inclusions can be beautiful – like geodes, valuable – like oil and natural gas, or both – like diamonds. In road construction, inclusions in raw material require extra attention and effort.

The course, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion gave me a good introduction to narrative writing and encouraged me to tie the assigned readings to my own experiences. I was hesitant as I come from a privileged background, but my reflections were accepted as they were offered – as another perspective. Through sharing and responding to other’s narratives, it broadened the scope of my experience and I came away with the skill of listening – just listening. I do not have to “jump” into problem-solving, super hero action. The act of listening is effective in itself. From this place, assessment, learning opportunities and purposeful changes can be made.

This article I often referred back to in my subsequent courses. It kept “popping” into my head during various discussions – which meant it had meaning to me. The idea of moving into different “worlds” that define you and define how you see yourself resonated with me throughout my master’s program. I started to consider the environment and ceremonies that surround our students and the impact it has on how they see themselves. Much of this will be unobservable, the student may be unaware and in could be uncommunicable. It is a burden on the communities, large and small, to put attention into making “worlds” accessible and welcoming.