Diversity

·         How have you experienced diversity in your life? How is diversity important? Has your relationship with diversity changed or been challenged since coming to USC? If so, in what way?

I went to school in the Greater Atlanta Area, more specifically the Gwinnett county area, and all of the schools I went to Caucasian people were the minority as far as demographics went. I've never had a problem with this and I never will, I feel as if having this has truly shaped my personality of open-mindedness and enthusiasm and general interest in so many cultures. I feel there is so much to learn in the world that why should a person constrict themselves to a small portion just because of someone's culture or color.

This semester I'm taking Arabic not because I got stuck in it but because I'm generally interested to learn the language and to travel to some of the Arabic speaking countries and speak the native language with the folks there. People are always more comfortable with someone who speaks their native tongue and fluently too. I want to be able to hear people speak not through translation but naturally so nothing is lost or gained, it's simply them.

The high school I went to was home to a large Asian-American population, more specifically Indian folk, and I've never met a greater collection of people. I've learned dances and music from them, I've learned about food and religion and holidays. I've worn traditional clothing because I've found it so interesting and usually I'm the only white person at the events hosted by Indian people and I've never had a problem with that fact.

Diversity is so important because it provides richness to everyone's quality of life. Everyone can benefit from learning, people make new friends, new ideas are shared, and compassion can be spread. Coming to USC has been quite a change from my high school. I've met a few indian people and they're some fantastic people and I'm getting involved in some dance groups for various cultures to learn more. Sometimes it can be challenging but I enjoy all the people I meet and I'm glad to learn what they know and teach what I know.