Exit Slip: Tolerance vs Welcoming, Role Models

The difference between being tolerant and welcoming seems to be rooted in empathy, the absence of which results in only tolerance. True empathy leads to understanding and inclusion in finding commonalities and valuing differences. The feeling of being welcomed or being welcoming is very individual to each person based on their personal experiences it seems. In general, I think having each student be able to feel heard and understood is ideal in the idea of welcoming, even in something as simple as having their name pronounced correctly, as discussed in class. I feel building rapport with students and having students interact to build rapport with each other is paramount in creating a welcoming environment for students. Role models are incredibly important for students of all ages and experiences in my opinion. Having the guidance and mentorship of a role model, in almost any capacity, is beneficial to every individual. In regards to specific subject areas, the idea of diverse role models for students to look to as an example to follow can be so constructive in developing interests, self confidence, and promotes their learning. Diversity in available role models on a very superficial level is a wonderful resource in that a diverse body of students can find commonalities and break down existing stereotypes. In my experience as a woman in STEM has not always been positive, but having varied mentors as resources has contributed greatly to my own feeling of belonging in the community. My female mentors have inspired me in my own life goals - seeing and experiencing them be instrumental within the geophysics community has helped me personally breakdown my own inherent biases. For a classroom, finding role models can be as simple as doing a rudimentary search on LinkedIn for people within the field. A teacher could pull up profiles of professionals within a certain field, including their photo and the description of their experiences. This is a role model resource that can show both diversity and give examples of what students could aspire to as well!