Design-Analyze-Reflect Essay
D.A.R. Essay
Describe:
My interview was with Mrs. Tetaric, an immigrant who finished her masters degree after
emigrating to the United States. In Rochester, many of the minority community members are
community when I conducted my initial research, and this caused me some concern. Not only
are percentages of minorities in Rochester lower than the national average, they are lower than
Analyze:
In a way, the community does have to locate more resources to support immigrant and
minority populations. For example, finding bilingual textbooks can be challenging when
minority students speak 69 different languages (KTTC, 2011). ESOL classes provided to these
students cost additional funding, and housing shortages may be present in addition to a higher
On the other hand, providing these resources to immigrant and minority students sets
them up for success in later life, which can enhance the resources of the community. If these
children are housed and educated, they can become business owners, college graduates or
valuable employees (Baker, 2016). Rather than considering supporting these community
The program I intend to initiate is aimed at bridging the communication gap between
these two sides of the community. I want to create a volunteer program for minorities and
community members who want to help improve literacy and cultural awareness of youth within
the community.
Reflect:
I was fortunate to be able to speak to Mrs. Tetaric, and although my initial focus was on
improving the community, the fact that she a success story for immigrant community members
empowered, productive community role, such as the one Mrs. Tetaric holds. She is respected
among the community center members and viewed as one of their own group. Like Nelsa from
Barrio de Paz, Mrs. Tetaric is one of the group and can advocate for their rights because she has
an outside perspective. This is relevant to my future career, in that I can use this tactic to gain
respect from students and advocate for their rights as a group member with an outsider
perspective.
Reference List
Baker, C. (2016). Refugees in Syracuse: Benefit or burden? Heres what the numbers say.
http://www.syracuse.com/poverty/2016/03/refugees_in_syracuse_benefit_burden.html
Diversitydata.org (2017). Population demographics (Rochester, MN). Retrieved from:
http://diversitydata.org/Data/Profiles/Show.aspx?loc=1160
http://www.myfox47.com/story/14273998/the-changing-face-of-rochester