One hope that I have when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is that I will be able to teach them that we all have value and our diversity should be appreciated, celebrated and that we all have wonderful things to contribute. One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field in regards to diversity and social justice is that it will be a topic and continued conversation that will encourage all educators to evolve their programs to meet the needs of every student to the best of their ability. I would like to thank my colleagues for the kind words about my dialogues, encouragement and sharing your personal experiences on these topics.

A memory I have where I witnessed bias took place when I was about twelve years old and living in the small town of Exmouth, Australia. Having traveled a lot around the country I had been exposed to members of the Aboriginal  tribes and learned about their history and traditions. The small town I lived in was primarily Caucasian of Irish background and an Aboriginal family had recently moved there as well. The family had two children. While at the pool I noticed the children were basically shunned and did not join any of the other students. I also heard several adults openly spoke disdainfully and prejudicial of the Aboriginal family. I found this strange as I had associated the aboriginal peoples as eh heart of the country and those who most belonged. This diminished equity by marginalizing  the family and potentially hurting the children's esteem and confidence. I recall feeling very sad and offended for the children but at twelve I didn't step in or do anything to welcome them myself. I think I was unsure of what the next step was and I was bothered by my own lack of assistance. If I could go back, I would have invited the children to join me and done what I could to help them feel included.