Getting to Know You: Juliana Chau
Juliana Chau – Elementary Education – Special Education
Hometown: San Fransisco, CA
Year: Senior
Where are you from?
I was born in San Francisco, CA. I have lived in SW Washington for 10 years, as of this year! I am a second generation American. My mother is from Taiwan and my father is from Hong Kong.
Why are you studying that? What do you hope to do with that after you graduate?
I am studying Elementary Education with an endorsement in Special Education because I hope to be a teacher. I am pursuing this career because I believe deeply in the power of education and the responsibility that educators hold. When I was growing up, I had a turbulent childhood. I am forever filled with gratitude for the teachers who supported me in these times. I hope to do the same for our trailblazers of the future by nurturing a welcoming and inclusive learning environment that celebrates diversity and empower my students to find their own voices in life!
Why did you choose WSU Vancouver (as opposed to going somewhere like Pullman)?
I kind of ended up at WSU Vancouver on somewhat of a whim! Following my high school graduation, I was enrolled to attend University of Washington. However, my father passed the month before my high school graduation. I did not feel ready to pick up my life and move with little support. I ended up taking a year off, and just worked. I had no doubt that I would continue my education. I somewhat spontaneously applied for WSU Vancouver a few weeks before the deadline for applications in Fall of 2016! Before I knew it, I was back in school at WSUV!
What’s been your favorite part of the WSUV experience thus far?
As I mentioned previously, I had not originally intended to attend WSUV. However, I am so happy to have ended up here. My favorite part of WSUV is our stunning campus. I love that it is out in nature, and big enough where I am not always running into the same people, but also small enough that I can hustle (basically) across campus within 10 minutes! I As for an experience, WSU Vancouver is a truly welcoming environment. I am an introvert, and not one who eagerly jumps into social situations. There have been very few moments where I have felt out of place. The Center for Intercultural Learning and Affirmation (CILA and previously known as the Student Diversity Center) was integral in making me feel welcomed and included in the WSU community. Last but not least, within our program, my favorite part has been nurturing friendships and relationships that I was not necessarily expecting to gain!
What’s been the biggest challenge so far?
The biggest challenge so far has been managing time for self-care. This semester, I am taking 19 credits and working about 20 hours a week! I have courses on campus at WSUV Mondays and Wednesdays, for the majority of the day. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I have my advanced practicum at my student teaching placement. On Fridays, I have my special education practicum and work shortly after I leave the school. On Saturday, I work in the evening and close the bar – getting out at around 3AM. And Sundays, my dear Sundays, are my only days off – which I am often spending recuperating from my previous work night and the entire week! And please don’t get me wrong! I am not complaining. With each of these commitments, that I am choosing to make, I am left with little time for myself. I actually mapped it out. I have 27% of my time during the week for myself. A majority of that time is spent on coursework and my online class. Thus, leaving a minuscule amount of time for little ol’ me! So, in short, my biggest challenge is managing my time effectively to leave moments for myself.
What’s something you’ve learned in Shameem Rakha’s course that you think has been valuable?
In Dr. Rakha’s class, I have acquired many bits and pieces of valuable learning. She has refined my lens as an educator, and as an individual citizen in my community within our society. In her courses, I am continuously learning how I can shift my perspective to a more global scale that takes into consideration my students’ cultural backgrounds and funds of knowledge – and how that reflects them as an individual and as a learner. A specific phrase that she has enlightened me with is “Known. Challenged. Every kid. Everyday.”
As a college, we’re starting to focus more on our people being agents of change. What makes you an agent of change?
The very act of pursuing this career makes me an agent of change. Teaching is a daunting vocation that is not for the weak-hearted or weak-willed. Growing up, my parents drilled the value of education into my mind. Both of my parents courageously and solely emigrated from their home countries – leaving behind the safety and comfort of their families – in pursuit of greater opportunity and access to education. I am a product of their endeavors. I am a first generation college student, and a second generation Asian American. I am so thoroughly proud of my identity. However, that, unfortunately, has not always been the case. Growing up as a minority in predominately white suburbs took a toll on my perception of my own self. In discreet ways, seeds of chagrin and resentment were imbedded within. I recognized that I did not look like most of my peers, and I did not speak like most of my peers. My peers recognized this too… I grew to loathe my background, culture, appearance, packed lunches, and race: ashamed of the very weaving and structure of my DNA that gave me my almond shaped chocolate eyes, petite stature, and my golden skin tone.
Our minority students face these seemingly invisible forces that try to break them down and tell them that they are not enough – just because of their heritage. However, the dilemma is not our differences in culture. The dilemma is the smothering pressures to conform to mainstream culture, which currently is not inclusive of the cultures of our students of color. It is our differences that we can appreciate and learn from. It is not only my hope, but my sheer intention, to facilitate a climate that is safe and welcoming of all learners from all backgrounds and abilities where students are challenged to empower themselves through 21st Century Skills of critical thinking, communication, creativity, and collaboration. These skills will be nurtured by a culture of empathy and compassion. My dedication to pursue education directly harmonizes with my demand to celebrate and acknowledge diversity. As told by Brad Montague, “Be who you needed when you were younger.”
Favorites:
Favorite Book: Happy Teachers Change the Worldby Katherine Weare and Thich Nhat Hanh
Favorite Sport to Play: I am not athletically inclined. Does yoga count? Oh, I am really good at dodgeball though.
Favorite Sport to Watch: Gymnastics or figure skating always fascinates me!
Dream Vacation Spot: I can imagine many destinations which would be lovely. However, if I could go on a dream vacation I would not necessarily want the vacation to be at a specific location, but I would want a specific group of my favorite people and family there with me to live in leisure for a hot minute. Right now, my little family is scattered all across the world. The most recent time I have seen a family member was in the last year, and the longest time since I have seen any family outside of my immediate family has been 5 years.