In today's world, where conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are gaining momentum, it's crucial to delve deeper into these topics with individuals who have experienced and advocated for them firsthand. My guest today is Tristin Schmidt. He grew up in rural America and he is working in education to help change the “generational cycle.” In this transcript, we present a profound discussion with Tristan, a passionate advocate for DEI in education. Through his unique journey and perspective, Tristan offers invaluable insights into the importance of questioning beliefs, understanding cultural contexts, and embracing education as a platform for growth.
Circumstances often dictate opportunities or lack thereof. Of course, we all have options to change our lot in life, however In parts of our country where you are born often determines what you will become. We often associate these situations with large inner cities. Unfortunately, small rural towns face many of the same circumstances. I have heard things like it was good enough for your grandparents and parents, college is a luxury we can’t afford, people in this community do this work. How can we break this cycle?
Meet the Guest:
University of Iowa alumnus with a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies, minor in Human Relations, and Certificate in Critical Cultural Competence. I completed my Master of Public Affairs at Indiana University. I am working towards my Graduate Certificate in Quantitative Research and Inquiry Methodology. My commitment to public education and the power of change is deeply rooted in my personal journey as a first-generation college graduate, fueling my passion to empower fellow first-generation college-bound students to enact systematic change for themselves and their communities with unwavering confidence. My research pursuits revolve around several key areas. Firstly, I am deeply engaged in ideological framework analysis for policy processes, exploring the intricate dynamics that shape public policy. I am particularly intrigued by the influence of non-public actors in the realm of public policy processes and educational governance. Additionally, my focus extends to examining how various indicators of sociopolitical identity interplay with changes in state and federal governance, as well as their impact on policy innovation, development, and enactment. Furthermore, I am avidly interested in the nuances of quantitative and mixed-methods methodology, delving into social and educational policy analysis, the transformative concept of education as liberation, class consciousness, philosophy of education, U.S. educational governance, the interplay between state and federal governance, and the evolving landscape of education reform and the influence neoliberalism has in such reforms. I envision my future path as an educational and organizational consultant, dedicated to empowering non-profits, agencies, and public stakeholders to maximize their impact through innovative planning and strategic responses to policy and program challenges. Following this, my ambition is to pursue a Ph.D. in either Educational Policy or Philosophy of Education. Ultimately, I aspire to contribute as a professor and faculty member at a research institution, fostering the development and critical academic engagement of emerging scholars and activists. Additionally, I aim to actively participate in a campus research organization or think tank, contributing substantively to ongoing discussions on educational policy and meaning.
🔑Key Takeaways:
Tristan's insights resonate profoundly, emphasizing the significance of questioning beliefs and actions, understanding diverse cultural contexts, and leveraging education as a catalyst for personal and societal transformation. He eloquently discusses the challenges and opportunities inherent in rural upbringing, highlighting the pivotal role of education in breaking cycles of disadvantage.
Furthermore, Tristan underscores the indispensability of DEI initiatives in education, critiquing attempts to diminish their importance. He advocates for an inclusive understanding of DEI, rejecting narratives that frame it as discriminatory and instead emphasizing its potential to empower all individuals.
Moreover, Tristan shares his journey of educational growth, acknowledging the impact of scholarships and grants in shaping his trajectory. He champions the value of humanities degrees in fostering empathy, understanding, and meaningful connections.
💡Discussion Points:
- Breaking generational cycles through education: Tristan's personal journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of education in overcoming systemic barriers.
- Importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in education: Tristan advocates for inclusive educational environments that embrace the richness of diverse perspectives.
- Acknowledging different cultural contexts: Understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds are essential for fostering inclusive learning environments.
- The role of education as a platform for personal growth: Education extends beyond academics, serving as a catalyst for personal development and empowerment.
- Impact of scholarships and grants: Financial support plays a crucial role in enabling equitable access to education and opportunities.
- The value of humanities degrees: Humanities education fosters critical thinking, empathy, and a nuanced understanding of human experiences.
- Challenges and opportunities of growing up in a rural community: Tristan's upbringing underscores the unique challenges and strengths of rural communities in the pursuit of education.
Watch Full Episode:
Resources:
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Contact Frank: 916.718.5517
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Parade Deck: https://www.paradedeck.com/creator/fzspeaker?track=pd
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Frank's Website: https://frankzaccari.com/
