Encountering Diversity: Igniting a Passion for Inclusion

My community was predominantly white, and I attended a school where everyone looked like me and had similar backgrounds. However, all of this changed when my family decided to take a summer vacation to a larger city on the East Coast.

Walking through the busy streets, I was immediately struck by the vibrant atmosphere and the diversity of the people around me. People of different races, ethnicities, and cultures were all coexisting in harmony. It was like stepping into a completely different world, and I was fascinated.

During our trip, we visited various cultural and historical sites, and I had the opportunity to interact with individuals from different backgrounds. I realized that diversity goes beyond skin color or nationality; it encompasses a multitude of experiences, beliefs, and perspectives. It was through these interactions that I first began to understand the true value of diversity and the importance of inclusion.

This experience deeply influenced my perspective and ignited a passion within me to seek out diversity and foster inclusivity in all aspects of my life. Upon returning to my small town, I made a conscious effort to broaden my horizons by seeking out friendships with individuals from different backgrounds. I joined cultural clubs at school, volunteered at community centers that served diverse populations, and actively sought out opportunities to learn about and celebrate different cultures.

Through these experiences, I discovered that diversity is not just about tolerating differences, but rather embracing and learning from them. I learned to appreciate the richness that comes from having a variety of perspectives, and how this diversity can foster creativity, innovation, and personal growth.

As I prepare to enter Cornell University, I am excited about the potential to continue my journey of diversity and inclusion. I believe that this institution's commitment to fostering an inclusive campus community aligns perfectly with my own values and aspirations.

At Cornell

I plan to contribute to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in several ways. Firstly, I want to actively engage with diverse student organizations and clubs on campus. By participating in these groups, I will have the opportunity to learn from others, share my own experiences, and build connections with students from different backgrounds. I believe that by immersing myself in these diverse communities, I can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals from various walks of life.

Secondly, I plan to take advantage of the numerous cultural events and programs offered at Cornell. Attending lectures, performances, and exhibitions that celebrate different cultures can help bridge gaps and foster understanding among students from diverse backgrounds. I believe that by actively engaging with these events, I can contribute to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

Lastly, I want to actively participate in campus-wide initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion. This may involve joining student-led organizations that advocate for underrepresented groups, or even starting my own initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue and collaboration among students from different backgrounds. I believe that by actively working towards creating a diverse and inclusive environment, I can help ensure that every student at Cornell feels supported and empowered to succeed.

In conclusion

, my personal story of encountering diversity during a summer vacation has profoundly influenced my perspective and shaped my desire to promote inclusivity and understanding. Through my experiences, I have come to appreciate the value of diversity and recognize the need to actively foster an inclusive environment.

As I embark on my journey at Cornell University, I am eager to embrace diversity and contribute to creating an inclusive campus community. By actively engaging with diverse student organizations, attending cultural events, and participating in campus-wide initiatives, I hope to promote understanding and collaboration among students from different backgrounds. I am confident that by working together, we can create a campus environment that celebrates diversity and empowers every student to thrive.