It’s been an absolute pleasure being part of the teaching within program, I have learnt an exceedingly large amount about teaching pedagogies in a short space of time. The program is designed to Increase the presence of Lecturers and Associate Lecturers of colour in HE. This is so incredibly important to me for many different reasons and a few that I will mention. Representation truly matters, there is absolutely no doubt about it. Seeing people that look like you in positions of power and change inspires, motivates and encourages people. When I was studying at uni there were hardly any black lecturers and the only person of colour I can recall was a professor designing cool stuff in the knit department for NASA. NASA, WOW! My immediate thoughts were that he was the only one there but he was doing mighty great things. People of colour notice the absence of diversity very quickly, there is no way to escape the feeling being othered. I vividly remember all the POC educators that have encouraged me in my life, they believed in me an so I believed in myself. Just like I referenced in my January induction blog post, The Pygmalion effect is a game changer!  Higher expectations breeds something in me that can make me unstoppable. I wish to inspire and encourage students with this simple essence of affirming self-worth. It’s a small task that can leave unimaginable impression that  can change the course of someone life forever!

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