Charity anticipates being a productive co-educator as we all grow & learn together

The biggest realization that I noticed about myself in the pre-departure course is this tendency that I have where once I hear someone say something that I do not agree with, I begin to formulate a response to explain to them why I feel what they are saying is inaccurate instead of listening to the whole point the individual is trying to make and trying to understand where they are coming from and why they may think the way that they do. It is hard for me sometimes to comprehend that this is the first time that some individuals may be engaging in conversations regarding race, gender, class etc. because for me that has been a part of my daily life since I became aware of how much those structures impacted my life and the lives of those within my community. So at times, I can get frustrated with trying to meet people where they are because it’s hard for me to understand how they could have not reached a similar level of awareness. However, as a social justice activist I know that part of the work involves having conversations with people who are across the spectrum in their own social justice journeys and consciousness’s. My goal as we begin our classes together will be to try to emotionally separate myself (to an extent) from the conversations so that I can remain a productive contributor and listener as we all learn and grow together during this journey. Because no matter where we are on this journey, it is always important to remain present and recognize that there is always something more to learn.