A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. 500 word limit. I'm at 492 :Q
As I sat in my global awareness class and watched the slides of Chinese government flit across the screen, I could hear my classmates snickering behind me. They whispered racial slurs and made stereotypical noises. In my mind I wondered how I could grow up in the same community, under the same circumstances, but view the situation so differently. I knew that Chinese people were no different from Americans. We all felt the same emotions and had the same needs. A difference in geographical location did not mean a difference in species. It was around this time that I realized how much my travels have effected me.
Despite my family's low income, we always saved up to go on at least on vacation a year. One year it was Canada, the next a French trip to New york, then a student ambassador trip to China and finally a National American Chemical Society convention in Denver, Colorado. Coming from a small town where many family's have stayed for generations, everyone was excited to hear about my travels. Of course I did tell them all the great things I saw and experienced, but one of the most important things I stressed were the lessons I learned.
Since many people had never left nor moved to my town, I realized they had no way of knowing many of their stereotypes were so inaccurate. But, why, in America, the so called "melting pot" were people so ignorant of other cultures? Comparing my fellow students to other students I had met across the country who had experienced and understood other cultures and also to their adult counterparts, I saw the significane of experiencing diversity. Without realizing that there were other options, other ideas and ways of life, you were doomed to repeat the same stories, generation after generation. Too often have I seen this happen.
Without experincing other cultures, not only those from abroad, but even from nearby states, I have seen the people in my community locked into their way of life. Growing up unaware of this knowledge, I have seen them become stereotypical, flustered when faced with issues that require diverse thinking and sometimes outright rude towards any mention of another way of life. Seeing how such ignorance can hinder a person, I am eternally grateful for my opportunities to travel. Without them, I would still think all Canadians always say "Eh", would never be able to imagine what a colorful city New york is, wouldn't be able to explain to you how similar someone on the other side of the world could be or tell you how professional one must be at a National Chemical Society Convention.
Any, and all criticisms welcomed. Thanks~<3
As I sat in my global awareness class and watched the slides of Chinese government flit across the screen, I could hear my classmates snickering behind me. They whispered racial slurs and made stereotypical noises. In my mind I wondered how I could grow up in the same community, under the same circumstances, but view the situation so differently. I knew that Chinese people were no different from Americans. We all felt the same emotions and had the same needs. A difference in geographical location did not mean a difference in species. It was around this time that I realized how much my travels have effected me.
Despite my family's low income, we always saved up to go on at least on vacation a year. One year it was Canada, the next a French trip to New york, then a student ambassador trip to China and finally a National American Chemical Society convention in Denver, Colorado. Coming from a small town where many family's have stayed for generations, everyone was excited to hear about my travels. Of course I did tell them all the great things I saw and experienced, but one of the most important things I stressed were the lessons I learned.
Since many people had never left nor moved to my town, I realized they had no way of knowing many of their stereotypes were so inaccurate. But, why, in America, the so called "melting pot" were people so ignorant of other cultures? Comparing my fellow students to other students I had met across the country who had experienced and understood other cultures and also to their adult counterparts, I saw the significane of experiencing diversity. Without realizing that there were other options, other ideas and ways of life, you were doomed to repeat the same stories, generation after generation. Too often have I seen this happen.
Without experincing other cultures, not only those from abroad, but even from nearby states, I have seen the people in my community locked into their way of life. Growing up unaware of this knowledge, I have seen them become stereotypical, flustered when faced with issues that require diverse thinking and sometimes outright rude towards any mention of another way of life. Seeing how such ignorance can hinder a person, I am eternally grateful for my opportunities to travel. Without them, I would still think all Canadians always say "Eh", would never be able to imagine what a colorful city New york is, wouldn't be able to explain to you how similar someone on the other side of the world could be or tell you how professional one must be at a National Chemical Society Convention.
Any, and all criticisms welcomed. Thanks~<3
