Crystal+S.

Phase I: Who Am I? What's My Place?


 * What __really__ makes up your identity?

My identity consists of my cultural and ethnic heritage, family, friends, and my interests/hobbies. I'm an African American female that identifies with the historical and cultural heritage of African Americans in the United States. I'm aware and proud of my ancestral lineage as I come from a group of people who have displayed resiliency in times of opposition and adversity. I'm also very family oriented and value the time I spend with my relatives and friends. There's nothing like getting together with the ones you love over great conversation and food! Lastly, I enjoy reading, learning, traveling, and running. These activities allow me to relax and unwind while doing things that I love and appreciate.


 * What __really__ makes up your sense of place?

I consider a sense of place a space where I'm comfortable, safe, and feel valued and love. Examples of these places are my parents' home in Asheboro, my personal home in Raleigh, and the homes of close family and friends throughout North Carolina and the United States. Visiting my parents home reminds me mostly of my childhood and adolescent years. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of family and love. It is in this place where I learned the majority of my values and beliefs that guide me today.


 * What roles do your identity and sense of place play when you work with others in a group project?

Both my identity and sense of place inform and guide my thinking and interaction with people. For instance, creating a safe and comfortable environment is important and essential to me. Thus, I feel the need to establish these same norms when working in groups. I like to work in groups where everyone feels comfortable and willing to share ideas and be creative. In terms of identity I realize that often times people's culture will shape their beliefs and values. Respecting and incorporating aspects of culture are also key attributes for group work. Getting to know a person's interests, family and cultural background makes the group dynamics much interesting.


 * What are the qualities that you bring to the GLIP conversation that will help you make a contribution to your global group?

I bring a genuine and sincere interest to the learning and collaboration of community learners. I'm dedicated, honest, willing, and hardworking. Most importantly, I value and appreciate diversity. I'm excited to work among a community of learners through a form of technology as a means to further my understanding of global learning.


 * What is one local problem (where you live) that you believe needs to be addressed? Suggest some steps could you take to try to solve it?

As a former classroom teacher I was dismayed by the lack of community/school partnerships within the school district. I feel that schools can be strengthened when the community provides resources and materials that can aid in the teaching and learning of curriculum or opportunities for students. Steps to rectify this problem would be to pair local businesses or community agencies with a particular school. Once partnerships were established both community leaders and teachers should collaborate to discuss activities, programs, or resources that can be implemented in the school. Also, each school and community/business agency would be responsible for organizing and sponsoring community projects which would get students involved in the community.


 * Finally, some problems have been around for a long time. What qualities do you think a person must have to step up and try to solve them?

To solve problems a person must demonstrate the ability to think creatively, analytically, and critically. They must be willing to work with people and make compromising decisions at times. They must remain dedicated and focus. They should be goal oriented, resourceful, passionate, and caring. Be willing to lead and follow.

Phase II: Sense of Place

Upload image (s) here:

North Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC

Use these questions to help you determine which picture shows someone else why your “place” is so special to you.
 * Does a scenic picture represent the beauty you believe that your town has?
 * Does a picture of a group of people represent and show a warmth and friendliness that your town has?
 * Does a statue or building convey the feeling of history that makes your place important and unique?
 * Is there a cultural event that represents the values of your home location?

What are your initial thoughts about how your image addresses the questions above? Later, you will be working with the members of your group to create a travel package that includes visits to each group member's home location (see Phase II)

This picture represents the North Carolina Zoological Park in Asheboro, NC, my hometown. This state attraction brings millions of visitors each year to the town of Asheboro. Known as the nation's largest natural habitat zoo animals from two continents are represented over 500 acres of Asheboro's rolling hills. The zoo brings aspects of the world's natural habitats and animals to a small town in North Carolina. in each exhibit, visitors are able to experience the natural elements of the world and the animals that inhabit these environments through the beautiful scenery of Asheboro.

Phase III: Identify Local Issue:

What is your local issue?

My issue deals with the lack of attention and respect given to education at the local level. I thus want to focus on the building, establishment, and partnership of community organizations to public schools. From my own previous experience as a public school teacher I was discouraged and baffled by the lack of involvement between the local community and public schools. I like the idea of having each school within a district adopted by community agencies. The building of such relationships can enhance and provide resources and opportunities to students who might be limited due to budget constraints.

What can you do to be address the issue?

I could serve as a liaison to schools and the community urging support and the building of relationships/partnerships.

What is the global impact of your local issue?

Globally, I think this could send a message that education should be a focus of local communities. If local communities are invested then education becomes a focus of a state, nation, country, and the world.

Add these thoughts to your Group's Discussion Forum on Local Issues