Hi friends! Jennifer, Becca, and Hieu again! It's day four here in the windy city and we have continued to learn more about urban education and gain insight on the lives of the students and faculty of Muchin Prep. We started off the day with advisory meetings where we got to hold college panels and answer questions from students. It was great being able to talk to the students about college and give them advice. Then we went to our respective classrooms, continuing to assist the teachers with their classes.
Jennifer helped students finalize their revolution projects in World History and went over different methods of campaigning in U.S. History. During her World History class, she spoke with a sophomore boy who told her how he was affected by gang violence. She was shocked that at such a young age, his family members tried to get him to join a gang.
Becca continued to help Mr. Madonna with his Algebra II and Calc AB math classes, answering the students' questions one-on-one and discussing Chicago life. Several of the students had suggestions about places to visit in the city, and described what they liked to do in their free time. Becca also helped Christine with a bulletin board about preparing for the PSAT. It was insightful to hear about how the students had such large aspirations; for example, one senior said "one day you'll vote for me."
Hieu joined Alexis and Paula today to help out Ms. Pak's English classes. Her students are seniors and they are carrying out the first step of their Senior Project which they'll have to choose a theme question, do research and write an essay. Hieu got to talk and help six Latina girls developing and narrowing down their topic questions. They all first appeared to be nervous, unsure, confused and indecisive about their ideas, but after talking to them, asking them brainstorming questions, pushing them to think a little deeper about those ideas, assuring them that no idea is ever too small to be explored and expanded, they got to be more confident! The one stumbling rock of the day was that Hieu couldn't help a black girl (sorry for lack of a better word). She wasn't open to talk and seemed to avoid eye contact as well. Though I (Hieu) didn't think much about her reactions at the time because maybe she was just simply not ready to discuss or shy towards strangers, but other possible reasons got me thinking. Was it because I looked too much different from her? Thus could she think I wouldn't get "it"? Would she be more willing to talk had it been Alexis instead? The issue of race is impactful in the US and thus I feel like it has to be considered in any given situation. Anyway, I just hope that she would seek help when she needs later and have a successful senior project!
After the 7th period and PM advisory, we all also visited the conspiracy theory club, where we watched Shane Dawson videos about the Mattress Firm money laundering conspiracy, among others.
Finally, we all went to the UMD alum's home for a pizza dinner, where we also discussed charter schools and education inequity with Dr. Bridget Kelly Turner. We also met two doggos of Chicago, Bernie and Charlie, who remain one of the main highlights of the trip!!!
Jennifer helped students finalize their revolution projects in World History and went over different methods of campaigning in U.S. History. During her World History class, she spoke with a sophomore boy who told her how he was affected by gang violence. She was shocked that at such a young age, his family members tried to get him to join a gang.
Becca continued to help Mr. Madonna with his Algebra II and Calc AB math classes, answering the students' questions one-on-one and discussing Chicago life. Several of the students had suggestions about places to visit in the city, and described what they liked to do in their free time. Becca also helped Christine with a bulletin board about preparing for the PSAT. It was insightful to hear about how the students had such large aspirations; for example, one senior said "one day you'll vote for me."
Hieu joined Alexis and Paula today to help out Ms. Pak's English classes. Her students are seniors and they are carrying out the first step of their Senior Project which they'll have to choose a theme question, do research and write an essay. Hieu got to talk and help six Latina girls developing and narrowing down their topic questions. They all first appeared to be nervous, unsure, confused and indecisive about their ideas, but after talking to them, asking them brainstorming questions, pushing them to think a little deeper about those ideas, assuring them that no idea is ever too small to be explored and expanded, they got to be more confident! The one stumbling rock of the day was that Hieu couldn't help a black girl (sorry for lack of a better word). She wasn't open to talk and seemed to avoid eye contact as well. Though I (Hieu) didn't think much about her reactions at the time because maybe she was just simply not ready to discuss or shy towards strangers, but other possible reasons got me thinking. Was it because I looked too much different from her? Thus could she think I wouldn't get "it"? Would she be more willing to talk had it been Alexis instead? The issue of race is impactful in the US and thus I feel like it has to be considered in any given situation. Anyway, I just hope that she would seek help when she needs later and have a successful senior project!
After the 7th period and PM advisory, we all also visited the conspiracy theory club, where we watched Shane Dawson videos about the Mattress Firm money laundering conspiracy, among others.
Finally, we all went to the UMD alum's home for a pizza dinner, where we also discussed charter schools and education inequity with Dr. Bridget Kelly Turner. We also met two doggos of Chicago, Bernie and Charlie, who remain one of the main highlights of the trip!!!
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