Undergraduate / U of Michigan, gained respect for intellectual, social, or cultural differences. [9]

"We know that diversity makes us a better university - better for learning, for teaching, and for conducting research." (U-M President Mary Sue Coleman)

Share an experience through which you have gained respect for intellectual, social, or cultural differences. Comment on how your personal experiences and achievements would contribute to the diversity of the University of Michigan. (approximately 250words)

<The true friend>

After I finished up the last page of the book Tuesdays with Morrie, I questioned if a teacher and a student be true friends. It did not take long to answer 'no', especially in Korean society where strict formalities exist; students would bow to teachers rather than saying 'hello' and use the terms of respect.

I found my previous answer to be wrong while attending Buenos Aires English High School in Argentina as a 7th grade student. Since I could hardly understand Spanish, the teacher in the library called Sophia, who was more than seventy years old, translated math test sheets into English for me.

In the small room next to the library, she would sit on the wooden chair with the test sheets on the desk and two new papers for translation. I would sit on the crotch of a desk next to the window.

'How many words did you memorize today?' I take out a small paper full of basic Spanish words to show her. 'Twenty. But they are not easy.' She smiles. When I'm about to head to my classroom with the papers she has done for me, she slips something into my hand. 'This is a lucky chocolate. Good luck on the test!' She winks and I say 'Thank you...so much.'

My old friend of different culture let me know what it was like to become a friend regardless of ages. Either during my life at University of Michigan and rest of life, the lesson will help me associate with people of diverse culture and age and exchange true feelings with them