In our diversity class while in graduate school, we were challenged to explore a new way of thinking. We brainstormed all the ways people are diverse, starting with the obvious race, religion, and sex areas. Then, it surprised us all when stories unfolded about learning styles, interests, and lifestyles.
An idea for my project unfolded as I thought about a student in my class who was a rodeo girl. I was struck with the notion that while my class at the time lacked diversity in typical terms, I knew nothing of her life outside my class. It would prove to be a worthwhile adventure.
At the rodeo, my student was in her element. She wore a large cowboy hat and ran to greet me. She took me by the hand and gave me a backstage tour. I met her mentors called “rodeo moms.” I shook hands with a rodeo clown and got close and personal with the animals.
She encouraged me to sit back and enjoy the show while she explained what was happening. I became a student that day. She was typically shy, so this was the most I had ever heard her talk. She explained the role of the rodeo clown. His job was dangerous and entailed distracting and protecting the man thrown from the bull. She explained what she would be doing when her time was up.
I watched my fellow student rope and tie a goat in record time and stand confidently on the rodeo floor. Her attire and everything about her shone with what was a newfound success for me. I immediately thought, "I need rodeo reading materials in my classroom."
After that experience and my class report to my fellow graduate students, I looked at my peers and bookcase differently. A lightbulb had gone off. We serve a God who created the earth but also people in all their creative glory. We have much to learn and celebrate.
Think of someone in your life who deserves a second glance. Then, think of ways you can meet them where they are.
Theresa Parker Pierce lives in historic Salisbury, North Carolina, where she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She has thirty-five years of experience in teaching reading and history. Theresa has a master’s degree in education and is National Board certified. As a two-time Rowan Salisbury Teacher of the Year, Theresa enjoys storytelling about her childhood in eastern North Carolina and giving tours in Rowan County. Her manuscript, Up Dunn's Mountain, won first place for Young Adult Literature at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. She is a member of Word Weavers International. A historic docent, Theresa shares her volunteer time between the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer and the Rowan Museum in Salisbury. With a closet full of costumes, Theresa dresses in period attire and is a toastmaster who speaks to historic groups, senior citizens, and her favorite children.