Defining these terms right at the beginning of the reading is really helpful for readers. Being able to distinguish why these roles have been the "norm" over the years will also help readers understand the role in schools that push these ideals and social practices onto developing minds. The section about how it plays into the larger opposite attracts idea that pushes the heteronormative agenda onto students made me think about how in elementary school, girls are told that the boys who are bullying them are only doing it because they like them. To this day, I am still baffled by the logic that some people place on kids; there are too many ways that the logic behind that statement can harm how students understand and interpret their gender identity and the roles assigned to them.

I can see how this would be so frustrating to put so much money into a system that is constantly failing; I am sure this is how many people also feel about the public school system. For this very computer system, It honestly might just be better to start from scratch, transfer the data, and work to improve the interventions. There are so many people wanting change and the first step is to get rid of things that are inhibiting success and change.

I think these ideas about students of color go back to the low expectations that students of color are given by their teachers. When teachers already have low expectations of their students, they think the easiest solution would be to dump their students with someone else who can "better handle their needs." Even if these needs are fabricated to fit the teacher's narrative. This reminds me of when my cousin, whose first language was English, was put in an ESL program when she was in elementary school just because she was Mexican; she had no issues switching between English and Spanish and was put in a program that was of no use to her. She lost so much valuable class time just because a teacher had low expectations of her.

This is a great point that the author brought up, she is aware of her more privileged experience and is able to draw on how her experience must be vastly different from people who face a variety of other societal issues. Being aware of your privilege allows you to fully understand and take on your challenges. This was really strong of the author to bring up because one of the most challenging things for authors is comparison, some people would be quick to judge and try to shut down her struggles and compare them with people who have it much "worse".

Not being able to get support from home or school must be one of the most tiring things. When there is not a healthy or comforting space for students to explore their identity, they are often left to wonder. Having the space to express yourself freely, I would say, is one of the most important parts of growing up.

Lack of representation is one of the most impacting things I have learned about in this class. A couple of weeks ago, we learned about how a white teacher finally realized how her race played into how her students thought of her and how it impacted their relationship. That has stuck with me and is often carried out when we have different readings, this one as well. Seeing yourself in staff at school is so crucial for many students, having someone you know who will support you and understand your issues is one of the most helpful things for an adolescent mind. Especially when other adult figures in your life don't have a clue what is going on with you and your education.