This reading is very important for future educators or youth development majors to take seriously. Children need to learn about diverse backgrounds because they need to see representation of themselves in what they are being taught. When students see themselves in history, literature, or social studies, it sparks their interest and makes them feel seen in a way that standard, Eurocentric curricula often fail to do.The story about the man who rejected school until he started learning about his own background later in life is a perfect example. It shows that it’s not a lack of intelligence or ability that causes some students to disengage, but a lack of connection. When students don’t see their identities reflected in the classroom, education feels like it belongs to someone else. But when they do read about their own history and culture, it can completely shift their perspective. Suddenly, learning becomes meaningful and personal, which can inspire them to keep pursuing education.For those preparing to work with children, this is a powerful reminder: representation is not just about fairness—it’s about motivation, belonging, and opening doors. If students only ever hear one narrative, they learn to distrust school knowledge and turn elsewhere for answers. But if schools commit to teaching a broader, more accurate story that includes all voices, students of color will know their stories matter too.Future educators and youth development professionals have the opportunity to make learning spaces where every child feels valued. That means intentionally including diverse histories, voices, and cultural contributions in the curriculum. When children feel proud of who they are and what their communities have contributed, they don’t just become better students—they become more confident, curious, and empowered people.

Representation in education isn’t just about checking a box or sprinkling in a few diverse names. It’s about kids being able to see themselves, their families, and their cultures reflected in what they’re learning. Movies like Coco and Moana show exactly why this matters. Coco brings Mexican traditions and Día de los Muertos to life, giving kids from that background a chance to feel proud of who they are, while also teaching others to appreciate a culture they might not know much about. Moana does something similar by highlighting Polynesian history and traditions, proving that these stories are powerful and worth celebrating.Then there’s Black Panther, which completely shifted what superhero movies could look like. For so many kids, it was the first time they saw a hero who looked like them on such a big stage—and the pride and excitement that came with it was huge. These movies show what the research says over and over again: when students see their culture represented, they don’t just learn the material, they connect with it. They feel seen, valued, and inspired.That’s why representation in education isn’t just a nice extra—it’s something we need to take seriously if we want kids to stay engaged and believe their stories matter.