"Cross over" from a sheltered home

By Jamianne Kruse

EDI 17 Psychology and Development of Adolescent Students
College of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
March 24, 2010

Today in class we participated in the cross over activity. Before this activity, I was very nervous because of the intense stories that I’ve heard about the years prior. I didn’t know what to expect from the questions that were going to be asked. During the activity I felt really tense. I was on edge anticipating each question. However, after the activity I realized how sheltered I still am. I have been born and raised in a predominantly white ethnic environment with a social economic status of middle to upper class. Before college I have experienced very little diversity and have lived in a very sheltered environment. Even today, I still find myself living in a very sheltered environment.

Although I can honestly say living my lifestyle is very comfortable, I am afraid that I am very naive to my outside surroundings. When I become a teacher and I have students that have been raised differently and are not as fortunate as I’ve been, it will be very hard for me to provide support due to the fact that I cannot relate. Many of times in those situations, although I wish to support and help my students grow, I think it is fair to say that those forms of support are easier said than done. I do believe that my sheltered upbringings will definitely provide me with a challenge in the future.