Hello, my name is Adam Rajah Gainey. All my friends call me Rajah. I am currently a 6th year senior here at California State San Marcos, graduating with my BA in Human Development this coming May, 2010. I am a native of San Diego, and have been able to see all parts of the city. I grew up in the foster care system from the age of 8 – 18.5 years of age. During most of that time in care, I was bounced around to over 13 different foster homes and 3 group homes, and as many schools. I was able to stay at the same high school, Kearny High, in Linda Vista are of San Diego. After graduating high school, I attended Cuyamaca Community College in Ranch San Diego for 3 years, and then I transferred to CSUSM.
My experience with technology has grown a great deal since coming to college. Before then, I would do whatever I could to avoid computers, but I luckily found out that life is so much better with them! I would most classify myself as a PC person. I guess that’s because like most, they were the type of computer’s I was first introduced to at school. I would say that I depend on technology very much on a daily basis. I would die if I didn’t have my G1 (Google Phone) because it keeps me organized with my calendar, assignments, emails, facebook, and life as a whole. I also usually have my computer with me when I come to school. It is one of the New HP Smart-touch notebook, which is really cool. I just recently updated the operating system to the Windows 7 ultimate, and have Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007.
The part of the CSUSM/COE Mission Statement that speaks to me would have to be the part that says “We are committed to diversity, educational equity, and social justice, exemplified through reflective teaching, life-long learning, innovative research, and ongoing service”. This mission resonates with me because I understand firsthand the importance of having an inclusive education for all students. I have the best memories of teachers that seemed to really focus on helping me to reach my personal potential. On the other hand, I have many more stories where I had to deal with educational situations that lacked diversity, social justice, and the appreciation of life –long learning. I feel that CSUSM, /COE mission statement is great over all, it shows how they seek to prepare us as teachers to be able to be diverse in our thinking and approach to teaching. This will have a lasting impact on our future society.
