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.
The curiosity of a child can very often be frustrating, yet on occasion, the absolute righteousness illuminates new perspectives on the way lives are lived.
The classic example features the one-way banter with the child responding solely with the word "why". If you decide to go as far as to answer the string of 17 questions, you will eventually find yourself stumped, left at a concrete wall of thoughts.
"Okay, we're going to go outside"
"Why?"
"Well, there's more space to run around, and the sun is good for you!"
"Why?"
"Well, there's something called science that explains all of this."
"Why?"
Last summer, while volunteering at a Vacation Bible school, I encountered these types of situations almost too many times to count. As counselors, we all came from different cultural backgrounds. In order to solve the "questioning conundrum", we congregated, trying to decide the best way to answer the endless chains of "why". We realized that despite the 10 year age difference between us and the kids, combined with the intellectual differences, when core ideas are questioned, we feel pressured to give a "correct" answer. There is no correct answer, only the unique viewpoints every person has. Subconsciously, the values that we were all raised upon came into play when deciding how/what to do with the kids.
When working with a culturally diverse group, each and every person have different experiences from which they can draw knowledge and help promote the well being of the group. Now, instead of blatantly ignoring kids for "asking too many questions", I have gained respect for the innocence and questioning attitude kids may have. As a Chinese-American, I am enthusiastic to learn about other cultures and how their values may differ from my own. "Why?" Because the exciting prospect of sharing my own values with others completes what I will bring to the University of Michigan.
Criticism is really appreciated.
The link to diversity was a bit rough, so I'll take any tips/suggestions!
Thanks!
The curiosity of a child can very often be frustrating, yet on occasion, the absolute righteousness illuminates new perspectives on the way lives are lived.
The classic example features the one-way banter with the child responding solely with the word "why". If you decide to go as far as to answer the string of 17 questions, you will eventually find yourself stumped, left at a concrete wall of thoughts.
"Okay, we're going to go outside"
"Why?"
"Well, there's more space to run around, and the sun is good for you!"
"Why?"
"Well, there's something called science that explains all of this."
"Why?"
Last summer, while volunteering at a Vacation Bible school, I encountered these types of situations almost too many times to count. As counselors, we all came from different cultural backgrounds. In order to solve the "questioning conundrum", we congregated, trying to decide the best way to answer the endless chains of "why". We realized that despite the 10 year age difference between us and the kids, combined with the intellectual differences, when core ideas are questioned, we feel pressured to give a "correct" answer. There is no correct answer, only the unique viewpoints every person has. Subconsciously, the values that we were all raised upon came into play when deciding how/what to do with the kids.
When working with a culturally diverse group, each and every person have different experiences from which they can draw knowledge and help promote the well being of the group. Now, instead of blatantly ignoring kids for "asking too many questions", I have gained respect for the innocence and questioning attitude kids may have. As a Chinese-American, I am enthusiastic to learn about other cultures and how their values may differ from my own. "Why?" Because the exciting prospect of sharing my own values with others completes what I will bring to the University of Michigan.
Criticism is really appreciated.
The link to diversity was a bit rough, so I'll take any tips/suggestions!
Thanks!
