Dream Project "Oppression Through Policy"
As a mentor for the Dream Project, I took the initiative to design and facilitate the seminar "Oppression Through Policy". From my interactions with DP mentors, I noticed that they lacked knowledge on the history of segregated schools. In response, I created a curriculum and facilitated the seminar, “Oppression Through Policy” for these mentors, in which Seattle’s history and modern day segregation are explained. The seminar has facilitated eye opening discussions on the educational realities of disadvantaged populations. Mentors were empowered to engage in difficult conversations about social identities, privilege and systemic power. They reflected on their own identities and gained an understanding on the role they can have as social justice allies. Facilitating the seminar has taught me how to contextualize information to meet the interdisciplinary backgrounds of a diverse audience. The seminar has led to an activity from it being implemented program wide that engages students to reflect on their power and privilege.
Participating in the Dream Project has developed my mentoring, facilitation and program development skills. The program has also opened the door for me to participate in the American Educational Policy Association, where I learned more about educational policy research and my own educational goals in attaining a PhD. T As a first-generation college student, I have been able to engage this identity and share my own experience navigating America's school system for my sisters and myself, as well as empower other students with similar experiences. I am forever grateful for how the Dream Project has changed my life and provided me a stepping stone in the non-profit and academia world.
Participating in the Dream Project has developed my mentoring, facilitation and program development skills. The program has also opened the door for me to participate in the American Educational Policy Association, where I learned more about educational policy research and my own educational goals in attaining a PhD. T As a first-generation college student, I have been able to engage this identity and share my own experience navigating America's school system for my sisters and myself, as well as empower other students with similar experiences. I am forever grateful for how the Dream Project has changed my life and provided me a stepping stone in the non-profit and academia world.