Please tell me what you think! Not a very good writer...Every question must be answered in 100-150 words (Some of mine are like 160). Will gladly see yours!
A. What life circumstances have you experienced that make cultural awareness important to you?
I used to have an on/off switch that I came to loathe. It sat at the back of my head dreading the next time I'd use it. Fear and anxiety gave it purpose; my insecurities made it useful. I was born in Mexico and raised by its culture. Normal to me was weird to others. My accent was too noticeable. The holidays I celebrated, like Dia de Los Muertos or Los Reyes Magos, were too "different". The clothes I'd buy in Mexico were "out of fashion" here. Whenever my parents invited someone over, or they came to my school with La Rosca de Reyes (a Mexican bread), or I brought something for show and tell, this switch would go on. I'd automatically try to be more American, more like everyone else. I was afraid I wouldn't be accepted for where I came from. Today, I realize that where I come from is part of who I am. I have no reason to be afraid even if others aren't aware of the beauty of different. This little switch, no longer exists.
B. What are your academic goals and how do you plan to achieve them?
For thirteen years I've lived ------------- away from the University of Miami. Every time I biked by the Cobb Fountain or ate at the Hecht-Stanford Dining Hall, I wondered what classes I would take, what major I would choose. I never thought, however, why I wanted to go to UM - it was already my favorite university. The only thing I thought about was, what I would do at UM. Now, several years later, I know exactly what I want to do. I want to major in Entrepreneurship at the Business School of Administration, I want to study French and Mandarin, I want to start my own club, I want to some day be recruited into the Iron Arrow Honor Society. I want to create a new way to do business. I don't care how many sleepless nights it takes, how many hours of studying it'll be, or how many sacrifices I will make. I will achieve what I want for I know that intelligence without motivation, boldness, and diligence is worthless.
C. How have you contributed to cultural diversity and how do you plan to continue that commitment at the university level?
My contribution to cultural diversity is distinct. I haven't done anything but be myself and follow three simple ideals. Peace comes from respect, unity comes from acceptance, and love comes from understanding. I've strived to never disrespect someone for his or her culture, likes, talents, disabilities, or faults. Despite color of skin, country of birth, neighborhood of residence, or religion of preference, I have accepted individuals instead of merely seeing them as my equal. I have come to understand - and love - others' cultures, activities, and passions. I have practiced Buddhism with a friend, eaten fried crickets at Homestead, played Samba from my iPod, and learned to count in Quechua. Not only have I embodied and represented my own culture but also experienced unknown cultures. I believe that acceptance, understanding, and respect towards other cultures is the best contribution to cultural diversity. I will continue to follow these three ideals and, in their spirit, create my own club at the University of Miami named P.U.L. (Peace, Unity, Love).
