Our next #HumansOfCDP are Reese Johnson '26 and Raquel Diaz '28! See what these two have to say about CDP and one another!
How is EDUC 2610 different from other classes?
Reese:
EDUC 2610 is different from other classes because the learning happens through dialogue. In a small-group setting, we practice active listening, reflection, and communicating across difference; skills that are harder to develop in a traditional lecture. What makes it truly special is how fulfilling it feels; I’ve built such unique relationships with each of my classes because we’re learning with each other, not just next to each other. It’s one of the only classes where I walk out feeling both intellectually challenged and genuinely connected.
How has CDP impacted your life outside of Cornell?
Raquel:
CDP impacted my life in so many ways. It taught me to critically reflect on my identities and their effects on the way I think and act. It also made me more comfortable with sharing the personal stories and events in my life that shaped the way I think. It has always been hard for me to share with others stories that were actually personal to me and shaped the way I am today. This was essential for me to better understand myself and others!
What do you admire about your co-facilitator?
Reese:
Raquel is bubbly, enthusiastic, and brings an energy that makes every class fun to facilitate. She has a natural ability to make people feel comfortable opening up, and her insights always deepen the conversation. Watching her grow as a facilitator has been such a pleasure and her presence is truly one of the best parts of our class community!
Raquel:
I admire Reese’s love for the class, and her constant strive to make students genuinely enjoy their time in the class. On top of being amazing and relatable to her students, she is always thinking about how to make the session better and more suitable for the students. She is so incredibly creative and reacts fast to certain conversations that arise. As a first-time facilitator, I strive to enhance these abilities that Reese has, and I genuinely could have not asked for a better co for my first time facilitating!