Time magazine published an article Oct. 23 titled ‘Are Teacher Colleges Turning Out Mediocrity?’ The article claimed that teacher colleges fail to prepare teachers for 21st century classrooms. UH’s career programs – especially the teaching programs – have an advantage over those of many other institutions: a diverse student body.
Many countries around the world have different cultures within their regions. UH students bring culture from different countries and carry cultures from their families as well, making UH a vast melting pot.
UH has clubs, organizations and events that invite students to experience different cultures. Many events unite students and help them become aware of the different people surrounding them, introducing students to other ideas and opinions from around the world.
The faculty and staff at UH also bring their own culture into the classroom.
For example, Flavia Belpoliti is a visiting assistant professor of Spanish from Argentina and Eugenia Ruiz is a lecturer in the same department from Spain. These teachers share the different ways they use the Spanish language in their native lands.
Students can learn about different pronunciations and expressions used by each teacher. This helps students find new ways of expressing themselves when writing and speaking; it also opens their minds.
With the presence of faculty and staff who bring cultures to the classroom coupled with the vast diversity of UH students, it is no surprise that students learn to be tolerant of other cultures.
In one University Center basement hallway, there are flags representing the many nationalities present at UH, which serves as a demonstration of the multitude of different cultures present on campus.
The University has done an excellent job preparing students for all the different cultures that are out there.
Hugo Perez is a Spanish sophomore and may be reached at [email protected]
