Undergraduate / MEXICAN AMERICAN/ALFREDO QUINONES-HINOJOSA; Experiences -Promotion of DIVERSITY [5]

-TOPIC: Describe current and past experience with the promotion of diversity and how these previous experiences will impact your future promotion of diversity

Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. No one is exactly the same as anyone else. Diversity is not only different skin colors but a person's background; their principles with diverse range of interests, beliefs and experiences. We don't all have to agree or disagree on a topic; the beauty of it is being able to see different points of views.

Strolling down the streets of *****a, I encounter various people from all around the world. While attending public school, I've made friends from places I didn't even know existed. I am able to learn about their culture and traditions and broaden my knowledge. Knowing about traditions and beliefs of people around the world, I've become open to new opinions. I can contribute to the diversity at ***** University by numerous characteristics. Being Mexican American has been a challenge but I'm proud of who I am. Not only do I need enjoy the American culture, but also my Mexican traditions. My culture has constructed me. I'm able to listen to my peer's opinions and respect them for who they are. Being tolerant and accepting is important to me because I can accept and take into consideration other people's points of views, evaluate the opinions, and finally make my own.

Working at ****** Clinic in *******, where the majority of patients belong to minority groups, I have come to realize the health care field needs more bilingual female doctors. Alfredo QuiĂąones-Hinojosa, a neurosurgeon in John Hopkins Hospital, has been my role model. He was an illegal immigrant from Mexico, but he obtained his citizenship and is a very prestigious neurosurgeon. I am hopeful of someday being a person who has made a change in this world by encouraging another young adult to fulfill their dreams; just how Dr. Quinones has made an effect on me.

While attending ****** I intend to keep advocating the beauty of diversity and having different opinions in addition to expressing them. Diversity makes a major part in the creation of the United States. Cesar Chavez said, "We need to help students and parents cherish and preserve the ethnic and cultural diversity that nourishes and strengthens this community and this nation." If we were all the same, medical or technology advances that we have wouldn't have come upon. I believe ******* is a great place to spread the idea that being different is a privilege that we all have.