So I’m in my forties, and I’ve finally decided to graduate from journalling to blogging. Yes, I know, I’m a bit late to the game. But better late than never, right? So why now?
First off, I’m an introverted, Korean-Canadian who is emerging from the chrysalis of “unseen and dismissable” to announcing, “here I am!” and “hear me ROAR!” I finally reject the quiet and submissive stereotype bestowed upon me by others. While I was once the epitome of these labels, I am trying to redefine what it means to be at the corner of woman and Asian. I’m the new “Genny from the block.”
Secondly, the events of 2020 have renewed and deepened my commitment to teaching and learning. If I’m going to be an educator, then I want to be one that makes a difference, which naturally means, not perpetuating more of the same. I started my career as an educator in a small computer lab in Regent Park, an urban neighbourhood in Toronto, Canada. In a basement classroom with donated, refurbished computers was where I fell in love with teaching, and where I saw first-hand, how education had the power to transform lives. It was my initial dabbling with teaching that imprinted in me the kind of teacher I wanted to be. And even though I serve in an entirely different type of institution and demographic, my fight for justice remains the same.
Finally, I need to talk. My husband, who is awesome, is waning in energy when it comes to discussing issues of diversity and inclusion. My daughter simply wants to have a dinner conversation where I don’t discuss anti-racism and social justice. And yet, these conversations are NOT happening in the areas where they are needed most, independent and private schools in Canada. So I’m here to present topics of conversation and ongoing discussion. As I struggle to unveil and write the next chapter of my story, I hope it will spur you on to find yours. Because whether we realize it or not, our stories are interwoven, yours and mine, as we journey together into the vast unknown.
If you are interested in reading/thinking/learning/discussing about issues related to #diversity, #equity, #inclusion, #belonging, #anti-oppression, #antiracism #socialjustice, then I hope my ramblings provide some #foodforthought.
2020 – the second half. Here I come!