Early Childhood Experiences and Their Link to the Life Trajectories of Children

Vulnerable Praxis: Memory, Latino Manhood, and Social Justice

“…I must have said enough times to her that I was not eating breakfast because my mother was at work that she not only suggested the cooking class, but also funded my registration. The opportunity of learning how to cook created an optimal environment for my development as an adolescent (Powell & Munoz, 2016). The compassion she showed also extended into the formal class setting.…”

“…Along with health, the educator's pedagogical practices affect how students, especially those from immigrant families, learn in the classroom. My second-grade teacher respected the knowledge I brought to her classroom (Powell & Munoz, 2016). I remember speaking Spanish during lessons without fear of redirection.…”

“…The health of a child influences the learning taking place in a school. Powell and Munoz (2016) suggest that poverty and malnutrition influence the achievement of students, often leading them to drop out of school, experience adult health issues, and perpetuate the cycle of poverty on future generations. However, the compassion shown by my second-grade teacher challenged that assumption.…”

“…The ESL specialist, a Cuban-American woman, saw something in me that other teachers did not see or understand. The education of a child is a constant process, regardless of school, community, or social boundaries (Powell & Munoz, 2016). Considering the influence of the home on my development, "Clandestino" challenged my initial interpretations of Latino manhood.…”