Discussing preconceived biases in secondary?

[Bored_Conscious]

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I am writing a secondary that asks me what I learned about myself through a particular experience. I decided to write about working as a coach for those with intellectual disabilities.

I enjoy working with those with intellectual disabilities and through working with this community of people I learned that I had some preconceived biases or beliefs regarding their quality of life. Working with these athletes, along with my philosophy minor, I was able to learn about why my preconceived notions were incorrect and based on my expectation through the perspective of someone with a health and able body and mind. I think becoming aware of these implicit beliefs is important and I was wondering if it would be something that would be looked down upon?

If it isn't clear...basically I am asking if it would look bad to say that I had a preconceived bias towards a community of people that I am not too familiar with from which I learned a great deal about?

 

[Gwynbleidd]

Not an adcom but this sounds like a great essay for “describe a time you learned something from someone unlike yourself” type prompts. You became a better human and learned about a vastly different group of people, resulting in a shift in your world view. As long as you can articulate your reflection well, I think you’ll be fine.

 

[LizzyM]

Turn it around and say that you came to new realizations about the lived experience of athletes with intellectual disabilities after serving as a volunteer. The experience made you realize that these individuals were x, y and z, things you would not have known if you had not gone out of your comfort zone to serve as a coach.

In other words, don't talk about having had biases but about how having an experience opened your mind and provided you with a more informed view of the world.

 

[Bored_Conscious]

Sounds good. I appreciate the feedback everyone!

 

[deleted1084643]

You may find this article interesting.

The Last Children of Down Syndrome

 

[Bored_Conscious]

You may find this article interesting.

The Last Children of Down Syndrome

Thanks for sending this. I wasn't able to get through it all, but it was an interesting read.
The conversation that is typically had when carrying a baby who is expected to have some kind of disability is always challenging.