by Drew Price

Created on: March 27, 2009   Last Updated: March 31, 2009

There are several theories that involve providing students with a multicultural education, just as there are several definitions of what a mulitcultrual education actually is. I believe that a multicultural education must go beyond learning about other cultures; in order to really understand other cultures, students should learn with other cultures. In other words, I am advocating that schools should be fully integrated with students who are from different classes, races, reiligions, and any other factor that is used to divide students. If we are preparing students to succeed in a multicultural global economy then we must provide them with multicultural experiences in school. I was fortunate enough to attend a fairly diverse school, and whole-heartedly believe my experiences with students from various cultures gave me a more meaningful education. This is my story.

It all began in, quite literally, on a park bench in Colorado during the summer of 1981, or so my parents have told me to my utter mortification. I didn't actually enter this world until March 14, 1982. Shortly after my arrival I joined my parents and three older brothers to live in a three bedroom house on Cheyenne Avenue located on the west end of Lawton, Oklahoma.

I enjoyed a relatively auspicious childhood. Although my parents were not always financially secure, by the time that I was born, my father was working as a civil service architect on Ft. Sill. His employment allowed us to live in a comfortable middle class neighborhood, and allowed my mother to remain at home, which looking back was a true blessing. Education always seemed to be a priority for my brothers and me. With my mother staying at home we always had someone to "remind" us constantly to finish our homework before going outside to play.

I attended Crosby Park Elementary School which served a community that was mostly middle class. However, there were a few low income apartments in the area, and a community that housed many of the cities doctors, lawyers, and other wealthy families. Many military families also sent their children to Crosby Park which also added to the diversity of the school. However, most of these students usually did not stay long, their families came and went according to the Armies wishes.

Unknown to myself at the time, I think my desire to be an educator originated at Crosby Park. Having three older brothers to learn from and constant support from home; I was quickly labeled a "good" student, although I did

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