Sean Brigmond

1. I have an Associate’s Degree of Arts in Political Science from South Georgia State
College. Bachelor's degree in political science and a Minor in Religion from University
of Georgia, master's degree in public administration from Valdosta State University, and
I am currently working on my Master of Arts in Teaching at Georgia Southern
University.
2. My father is white and born in the United States. My mother is from the Philippines. I am
multiracial with white and Asian background. I have one older sister.
3. I am currently a high school teacher. I teach Government and World History. My first job
was as a tutor at South Georgia State College. I was a waiter, U.S. Census crew leader,
correctional officer, and an academic instructor in GED at the same federal contract
prison I was an officer at.
4. When I was a child, my family was poor. My parents pulled the family out of poverty
through working multiple jobs and my mother completing college. She was able to get a
better job that brought in more income for the family. Most of the discrimination I had to
deal with in life came from dating. The parents of the women I would date did not
approve of me due to my mixed lineage.
5. I try to catch myself before showing those types of behavior. When I speak, I quickly run
through my mind what I will say before I say it. If I catch myself doing those behaviors, I
quickly try and correct them.
6. I have coped with life struggles by getting hobbies, working jobs that I want to, and
having friends and family for support.
7. My friends and family have been a great support. They are there to help and listen when
needed. They have been able to support me emotionally and given me a community that I
feel like I belong to.
8. The only language I can fluently speak, read, and write in is English. My mother never
taught Filipino to me.
9. Schools do a lot to help students with struggles in language, learning, and other problems
but they can still do more. ESL and ESOL students should have interpreters in classes
when needed. Students who have learning difficulties already get aid from the school and
have case managers to help. These students may need more one-on-one aid. Funding
should increase in these areas so more can be done.
10. The main struggle I have right now is completing my second master’s degree. It is more
difficult now since I am taking the classes online and I am also working full time.
11. The advice I can give to people with the same struggle in school that I have is to keep
pushing forward until you get done. The achievements granted from education are grand
and can greatly help a person’s future. Also, do not be ashamed to ask for help. There are
people in college that can help you with a multitude of issues. Help does not come to
those who do not ask.