9/27/2014
Reggie Blackwell
C/O Barbara Gleason
The City College of New York
English Department
160 Convent Avenue,
New York, NY, 10031
Dear Reggie Blackwell:
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us about your
personal journey towards self-realization. It was truly a pleasure listening to
you recount the trajectory of your life; I was impacted by your resolve to be
successful no matter what the task entailed and hope to apply that determination
in the pursuit of my career goals.
I am an ESL teacher but hope to extend my profession into
teaching Basic Reading and Writing as well. Listening to you, I was moved by
your conviction to not simply be labeled as a “Basic Writing student.” Many
times, as teachers, we can be quick to judge students by asserting that they
are lacking some basic skill. As you pointed out, it wasn’t the lack of an education
that held you back but rather a lack of formal
education. This distinction is so crucial to how we perceive the issues
regarding the non-traditional student. Students who return to formal academic
settings do so for various reasons, but they all bring rich and meaningful
lives that should be validated. This is the guiding principle that should
determine how we teach Basic Reading and Writing students in the 21st
century.
Your story reinforced how important it is to value students
for who they are and where they come from. It gave me a chance to reflect on
the students that we serve in our communities. They come from all walks of life
and have incredible and enriching experiences to give to a classroom. As a
teacher, I am truly honored to be in such company. It is truly humbling.
Again, thank you so much for sharing your story with our
class. I wish you success and happiness in whatever endeavor you decide to
pursue and hope your passion for writing poetry continues to bloom.
Warmest regards,
Kevin Kudic
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