Undergraduate / 'Asian Indian background' - rutgers essay [4]

I consider myself fortunate having born in a family who are first generation immigrants in this country. My parents moved from India to US about twenty years back. Though challenging to assimilate in either society, east or west, it gives me an opportunity to enjoy both cultures. Among Indian circles we are called ABCDs. I.e. American born confused desis. 'Desi' is a Hindi word meaning, Indian native. Yes, in their view we may appear confused, but, both my sister and I see ourselves more tolerant and open to the differences of cultures. We easily mingle and adapt ourselves to both social circles. My back-ground gives me an opportunity to see good and bad of either culture. I that is why I consider myself lucky, having an opportunity get the best of both worlds.

My parents keep talking about their upbringing, having brought up in families of simple living and conservative values. They constantly preached us their values like family values, giving respect to elders and teachers, simple living etc. Naturally, all this has an influence in my personality. We are living at a time of increased global competition. Sustaining this nations prosperity in 21 century, will require us to make use of our talents and abilities in work settings that bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

I learnt that Rutgers is a very big university having thousands of international students from several countries, offers one of the best possible diverse educational environment in the country. I heard a lot about their commitment to Diversity and Inclusiveness. Diversity enriches the educational experience. We learn from those whose experiences, beliefs, and perspectives are different from our own, and these lessons can be taught best in a richly diverse intellectual and social environment. It promotes personal growth--and a healthy society. Diversity challenges stereotyped preconceptions; it encourages critical thinking; and it helps students learn to communicate effectively with people of varied backgrounds.

I think I will greatly benefit from Rutgers University's various colleges in a variety of fields in Science and technology. Being passionate in the study of sciences, I see many opportunities for myself to learn and excel in these premier research institutes. Also, living among students in the campus from different colleges starting from institutes of science & technology to liberal arts, I would get exposure to richly diverse intellectual and social environment.

If I get admission at Rutgers, I intend to take an active part in the university's diversity programs. Apart from my Asian Indian background, there is one more way, I think I can contribute to Rutgers's diversity programs, immediately. Being a recent kidney transplant recipient, I can contribute to fostering awareness of organ transplants in the campus. In spite of my health problems I faced, I tried my best to keep myself active. Here, in my high school and outside, I took active part in several clubs like "Chess club", "Robotics Club" etc.

Finally, I believe education within a diverse setting prepares students to become good citizens in an increasingly complex, pluralistic society; it fosters mutual respect and teamwork; and it helps build communities whose members are judged by the quality of their character and their contributions.