Who am I?

Who am I? Academic spaces should be safe spaces where young people are able to answer the question "Who am I?" through their experiences, reflections, growth, and learning.Dr. Michael Wesch decided to meet with his students for lunch one on on to speak deeply with each other and to get feedback on his pedagogy and class with a framework of asking questions. He highlighted the three main questions all students are asking are " Who am I?' "What am I going to do?" "Am I going to make it?. He spoke to the "just getting by" attitude that many students have towards education, and this is something that I see in my 5th grade studetns as well. Welsh points out how learning is a fundemental trait for human beings using Baby George learning to climb stairs as an example. In the fifth grade I love to do Identity work with my young people because it is important for us to uderstand ourselves and what we are bringing into a space as well as how our identities interact with each other. This is where you can find more on identity moleculre activities.

Welsh is right learning is a fundamental human trait, and young people want to learn. Often times youth, specifically youth of color, feel a severe disconnect and have a negative affect towards schooling and that negative affect transfers to the idea of learning. It is important for young people to see themselves as learners and in people who are reflective of them in learning environments as well. Welsh also talked abou the need to facilitate a safe space to take risks and individualize the curriculum to the needs and skillset of the young people they serve. The idea of compassion towards others and towards yourself resonated with me as well because learning is a process and practice makes progress, not perfection. It is important to continue to be kind to your self through your "failed" tries as well.