Kendra Buddenberg Introduction to Multicultural Teaching Karla Henderson 20 July 2013

Cultural Diversity Case Study

Ethnicity: 1. In what city, state, country, or continent were you born? He was born in Jamaica, which is an island in the West Indies. He later moved to Europe and then to New York for a majority of his adolescence. He is now living in Lawrenceburg, IN. with his wife and children. 2. Did your family originate from another country? Yes. 3. How do you feel that your ethnicity, or country of birth, affected your academic success? The places that he grew up embraced academics and encouraged hard work and success. They showed a great appreciation for things and taught him to succeed.

Race: 1. What do you consider to be your dominate race? Black. 2. Were you in a school where you were a racial minority? Yes, he was one of the few black students in his school. 3. How did your race affect you socially and/or academically? His race made him conscious of how he used his words. He did not want to come off uneducated or be stereotyped into a category. He felt as though he had to prove that he was capable of achieving success.

Class: 1. What is your familys composition? His immediate family (wife and children) are all black. However, his extended family is biracial. He stated that they marry who they love, not who shares their culture or ethnicity. 2. Do you live in an extended family household? No, he lives with his wife and two children. 3. Are you employed currently? If so, what type of job do you have at present?

Yes. He is the Student Success Center Manager at a local college. 4. Does your job allow you to go to a school of your choice? If he were to go back to school to pursue another degree or further his education, yes.

Gender: 1. Do you feel that gender ever effected your ability to achieve academic success? No.

Exceptionality: 1. Did you attend any special programs in school? He participated in Project Success which encouraged students to succeed. It emphasized that all students are capable and introduced creative ways of thinking. They visited Harvard University and met many black or biracial students. This was an eye opener for him and reassured him that he could do anything that he set his mind to. 2. Do you think the program helped you achieve academic success? Yes.

Language: 1. What is your country of origin? Jamaica 2. What is your native language? English. He learned to speak French while living in Europe. 3. How did your language affect your ability to achieve academic success? It did not. It was hard for him to learn French at first but once he moved to New York he completely transitioned back to English.

Religion: 1. What is or was the religion that you practiced from birth? All paths lead to God. 2. Are you still an active member of this religion? Yes. 3. During your K-12 school years, were your religious beliefs and practices ever a problem for you? No.

Geography: 1. In what part of the country or another country did you grow up? He spent most of his life in Long Island, New York. 2. Can you explain any political, language, or religious practices that characterized the part of the world in which you developed as a child and young adult? Overall his family was progressive. They understood that the decisions they made were followed by consequences and repercussions. His family was encouraging and always did what was best for him and his siblings.