Essay Assignment Number 2: Choose One Of The Following Scena

Essay Assisgnment Number 2choose One Of The Following Scenarios Which

Choose one of the following scenarios which illustrate a variety of incidents that have occurred on a university campus. Imagine that you are a residence hall counselor on campus, and the student described in the incident has come to you to ask for advice. What sort of advice would you give to the student? Explain why your advice represents the best course of action for the student to follow. Your essay should be 1-2 pages in length. Remember to use appropriate formatting as per APA (6th ed.).

Scenario 1: Jessica Jessica is a 22-year-old Mexican American who moved from Illinois to attend college in California. Lately, she has noticed that the majority of her Hispanic classmates are able to speak both English and Spanish fluently, and most speak Spanish to each other in her Chicano studies class and socially. Jessica’s parents spoke Spanish at home but did not insist on their children becoming bilingual. For this reason, Jessica understands Spanish when it is spoken to her, but she does not speak it fluently. Jessica has found that she feels more comfortable and relaxed in classes where most of her classmates are white rather than in her Chicano studies class, where she does not share the experiences of the other Hispanic students. This realization has upset her, and she has come to you for advice.

Scenario 2: Jim Jim is an 18-year-old white student living away from home for the first time. He and his girlfriend were hanging out at the park when they noticed a car pull into the empty parking lot. No one got out of the car for nearly an hour, and it was getting dark. Jim and his girlfriend had planned to stay a while longer, but the car made them feel nervous. As they left the park, they passed nearby the car, and Jim knocked on the window to see if the occupants needed any help. As the window rolled down, Jim noticed that the men were black. He said, “Hey, what’s up? What are you guys doing here?” One of the men was insulted, became angry, and stated that they had every right to be in the parking lot. He claimed that Jim was racially profiling them. He has gone to the campus mediation center to report the incident and is demanding that Jim formally apologize. Jim is very upset because he feels he is being unfairly called a racist.

Scenario 3: Anthony Anthony is a 20-year-old Chinese American student who recently transferred to your university from the community college in his hometown. He met with his advisor earlier today to discuss his schedule. As he was leaving the office, his advisor said, in a friendly and jovial manner, “The restaurant on First Street has the best wonton soup in town!” The more Anthony thought about this, the more upset he has become. In this assignment, you are asked to reflect on one of the presented scenarios. This should not just be writing down your first reaction or what you already know. Reflection involves critical thinking, which means rethinking your existing knowledge and previously held opinions in light of what we have learned about prejudice.

Paper For Above instruction

In the complex landscape of university campuses, incidents involving prejudice, stereotyping, and racial profiling often arise, challenging students’ sense of safety, belonging, and identity. As a residence hall counselor, the role involves guiding students through these experiences, fostering understanding, and promoting respectful communication. This essay will critically reflect on Scenario 1, involving Jessica, a Mexican American student grappling with cultural identity and belonging, and provide advice rooted in cultural sensitivity and psychological support. The goal is to identify the most appropriate course of action that promotes her well-being and personal growth in an inclusive environment.

Jessica’s feelings of discomfort in her Chicano studies class stem from a broader sense of cultural disconnect and identity struggle. She perceives that her experiences differ from her Hispanic classmates because of her limited bilingualism and her comfort level relative to her peers who speak Spanish fluently. Her unease indicates a potential internal conflict about her cultural identity and her place within the Hispanic community on campus. As a counselor, I would advise Jessica to explore her feelings through reflection and self-awareness, emphasizing that cultural identity is multifaceted and not solely defined by language proficiency. I would encourage her to participate in cultural events and connect with peers who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and validation.

Additionally, I would recommend Jessica to consider seeking out campus resources, such as cultural centers, counseling services, and support groups designed for students navigating multicultural identities. These resources can provide a safe space for her to process her feelings, bolster her confidence, and develop strategies to engage more fully with her cultural background at her own pace. It is important to acknowledge that bilingualism is a skill that can be cultivated over time, and Jessica should not feel pressured to meet certain language benchmarks to feel accepted or authentic in her identity.

Furthermore, I would advise Jessica to challenge internalized stereotypes about Hispanic identity and recognize that her experience as a Mexican American is valid and unique. Her comfort in predominantly white classes does not diminish her cultural identity; rather, it highlights the diversity within the Hispanic community itself. Promoting a narrative of self-acceptance and resilience is key to helping her overcome feelings of inadequacy or exclusion. I would also suggest she communicate openly with her professors about her background and experiences, which can foster understanding and potentially lead to more inclusive classroom dynamics.

This advice offers a balanced approach of emotional support, self-exploration, and proactive engagement. It encourages Jessica to view her cultural journey as an individual process, emphasizing her personal growth rather than conforming to external expectations. By connecting with campus resources, engaging in cultural activities, and fostering self-acceptance, Jessica can begin to build a more positive and integrated sense of identity. The course of action I recommend respects her feelings, affirms her worth, and supports her development as a confident member of her campus community.

References

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