Diversity, Equity
& Inclusion

As a first-generation college student and disabled ESL immigrant breadwinner, I have firsthand experience of how a student’s background and circumstances can impact their access to resources, attitude toward education, and overall ability to learn in different settings. I was lucky to start my American Dream in New York City, where people from all races and cultures come together. While it’s not exactly a melting pot, New Yorkers are accustomed to being surrounded by people of all types, and many offer support.

Unfortunately, people tend to discriminate against those not in their groups. This behavior, particularly prevalent towards minorities, has a highly negative impact. Such biases are often the result of ignorance and fear of the unfamiliar. However, diversity is vital for our personal and societal growth, as we can learn the most from people with different backgrounds. A diverse group, be it in a classroom or a community, can lead to more fruitful discussions and the emergence of many new ideas. Therefore, educators must instill open-mindedness and empathy in students, so that they can value and respect diversity.

I believe in learning by doing. For instance, in an online marketing class, I guide small business owners in developing their campaigns individually and launching them live on their actual websites, social media, and Google Ad accounts. While some students opt for complex campaigns, others prefer to keep things simple due to a lack of time, prior advertising experience, or proficiency in English. Differentiated instruction not only addresses diverse students’ various needs but also aligns with my deep commitment to educational equity, a value shaped by my journey as someone identified as disadvantaged.

Treating all students equally does not help the disadvantaged ones. It’s crucial to offer individualized support to address their possible barriers. Recently, I’ve been following the Universal Design for Learning Guidelines to design course materials and assessments. It is one of the methods that can help me create a more inclusive and accessible learning environment for all students.