Undergraduate / Diversity, my different background - UM diversity esssay [6]

[A] "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.

Answer:

At bottom every man knows well enough that he is a unique being, only once on this earth; and by no extraordinary chance will such a marvelously picturesque piece of diversity in unity as he is, ever be put together a second time.

------Nietzsche

My background naturally keeps me different. I would have different insights on an academic subject, work hard to achieve goals that wouldn't interest my classmates, or simply act differently, and my American background didn't help in my school filled with native Chinese. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. I didn't want to feel different, so I adopted to fit in. It wasn't until I became truly adapted to the Chinese culture did I see that my differences were bridged, but not diminished. The differences are part of being who I am. I am respected for what I have brought to my community, and I am proud to be unique.

Diversity isn't about being different from others, either in race, ethnicity, socio-economic class, or behavior. Diversity is about ideas and thoughts. When you work your way into a community, you are helping that community obtain a new perspective, understand things in a different way , and you are doing this by adding your identity into their culture, and helping to reshape what it means to be a part of their culture. These are the benefits that my diversity has brought to my community, and could be brought to The University of Michigan.

Is it okay if I use a quote? I think it worked quite well with my essay.