Identity

Finding my Identity

The concept of identity is complex and multifaceted, according to Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, identity encompasses “individual characteristics, family dynamics, historical factors and social and political contexts.” [1] At times I was extolled and recognized as an intellectual and competent student regardless of race, social class or gender, yet in other experiences my intellectual confidence was shaken and deterred on the basis of these premises. These experiences has made shaping and defining my identity a difficult journey throughout my K-12 education.

As a student in Aldine I.S.D.’s Montessori Kindergarten program I experienced learning in a culturally diverse and intellectually stimulating environment. This environment allowed me to establish at an early age an identity as an intellectual individual regardless of my race, gender, or class. There were two forms of pedagogy at Reece Academy Direct Instruction and Montessori. The Direct Instruction form of pedagogy was similar to the “A over B” method of learning Paulo Freire discourages in his essay Pedagogy of Hope. [2] The Montessori form of pedagogy is a child-centered approach to education. This educational approach develops an inquisitive nature within students, emphasizes interaction with peers and is based upon hands on learning. I can recall working, and playing with students of all racial backgrounds unconscious of our differences. Experiencing this interactive form of pedagogy in such a diverse environment fostered multicultural friendships that lasted throughout my entire K-12 education. In addition to establishing racial tolerance, the Montessori program instilled zeal and fervor for learning within my peers and I. Montessori students seemed to consistently surpass “Direct Instruction” students in testing and were far more comfortable with social interaction.

My intellectual confidence continued into my elementary school experience. During this time I began to take...