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Hello again, My name is Billy Evans. I am a former graduate
assistant for CollegePrep-101. Let me tell you a little more about
myself through my great experiences with cultural diversity. After
reading this section, I hope that you will understand why I feel it
is important to appreciate diversity.
I am not an expert on diversity, but I think I have some very
positive and unique experiences. For the past three years, I have
been a Hall Director in a largely international building. This has
been a great opportunity to meet and learn from people that are from
all over the world. Another experience of mine started in 1995 when
I became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated. Phi
Beta Sigma is a predominately Black Greek organization. This has
allowed me to experience a great deal of diversity as a white male.
I have also been involved with the Latin American Student
Association (LASA). My activity with LASA has been dancing with the
organization during the Oklahoma State Cultural Night program for
the past two years. I have also had some experiences with a martial
arts Tai Chi class. I feel that it is a fun, educational, and
healthy lifestyle. One important characteristic is to be genuine
about your participation. I belong to these groups because I enjoy
the interactions and activities. I hope that you can find some of
the same reasons for yourself.
What does the word diversity mean? A simple definition of
diversity means differences. Diversity does not only mean
differences between the Black population and the White population.
Diversity speaks to differences among culture, race, ethnicity,
religion, and sexual orientation of all people to name a few. To
function in our changing world, I think it is important to have an
understanding and appreciation of diversity. Some people talk about
having tolerance, but I think it is more important for people to
have an appreciation. Tolerance means to put up with something that
is bothersome. It would be great if everybody could be aware of our
differences and learn to appreciate others for who they are.
When you get to college, you will find that there will be
many different kinds of people. Depending on your background, there
may be some people that you identify with more. It is very natural
for people to surround themselves with people that are like
themselves. Initially this is great, but the challenge is for
everyone to broaden their horizon. Every person has something of
importance that they can offer somebody else through their own
experiences and background. I would challenge you to get to know as
many different kinds of people as you can. I believe that you have a
great opportunity to learn from different people while at college.
Go and get to know positive people that may be unlike you in
some way. I think you may find more similarities than you think. You
can achieve this by attending programs in your residence hall,
joining organizations, meeting people in class or at work. A simple
genuine "hello" could be the start of a new friendship.
The following are some testimonials from students about
their thoughts on diversity, and initial experiences at college. I
hope this chapter was beneficial to you on some level. Make an
effort to treat EVERYONE in a caring, healthy, and positive manner.
Now go make a difference! Good Luck!
Angel's experience with
diversity
Sarah's experience with
diversity
Woosik's experience with
diversity
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