I have realized through this course that most of my learning network takes place in person and not online. I have reflected on this and have realized that I tend to retain and understand information better when it is delivered to me in person and when there is a meaningful emotional connection there as well. I am very lucky to be a part of a diverse PLN as I make my way through my Secondary PDPP program at UVic where I have made many meaningful connections that are extremely valuable to my learning journey. When it comes to diversity, I believe my PLN is very diverse as I have sought out various perspectives from people with different experiences from mine. Since I have been young I have always been so intrigued to learn how others experience the world, so building a PLN is something I’ve been subconsciously doing my whole life! My PLN encompasses people of all walks of life! For example, I have been learning a lot from people with diverse abilities, people whose first language is not English, people who grew up outside of Canada, people with spouses and kids, single individuals, people who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, and many other people! It is important to acknowledge though, that as we expand our PLN and include diverse voices, that these people are not simply whittled down to what makes them unique to your PLN. Everyone has so much to offer and everyone is coming from a different intersection of life, to quote Kimberlé Crenshaw, but this alone does not create an entire identity. Also, it is important to gain many different perspectives from within a community. For example, I am part of the LGBTQ+ community, however it is still so valuable to hear from other members of the community on their experiences as they will have a unique experience within the community. 

There is no real learning outcome of my PLN. I am striving to be a lifelong learner and so I hope my PLN continues to expand my whole life. There will be steps along the way with specific goals that I would like to gain out of my PLN, for example my focus right now is to create connections with working teachers to learn about their skills in classroom management and creating lesson plans. My exposure to diversity and inclusion is entrenched within our cohort, however after I finish this program I will make sure to stay in touch with all of the wonderful people I have met and learnt from through online platforms like social media. I will also continue to put myself in situations to meet more people like attending conferences. Overall, creating an inclusive and diverse PLN is so important for personal growth and especially to become a lifelong learner!