Each student enters the classroom with a variety of background knowledge, experiences, skills, and goals. I believe these diverse backgrounds contribute to a productive learning environment for everyone, but require work by the instructor to ensure materials are accessible to all students. My goal as an instructor is to facilitate growth and strengthen students’ reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. My experience as a first-generation college student informs my teaching practices and confidence in students’ abilities regardless of their background. I engage students with course materials by connecting course concepts to recent events, using a variety of different in-class exercises, and sharpening the skills that students will benefit from no matter their major or career goals. As an instructor, I seek to make students feel respected, comfortable, and confident that they have important contributions to make not only in my course, but also in the world awaiting them outside the classroom.