As the Diversity Fellow for GSE I get to do a lot of exciting things around diversity. One of the big events that we are in the process of getting together is a Diversity Weekend for GSE. I don't know if I am at liberty to go into detail about this event so I will just say how I feel about it...
I enjoy brainstorming ideas and planning for this event, sometimes more than my coursework. My experience as a Spelman student and now as a Penn student is helping me to see some of the things that Penn needs in order to appeal or make the transition more comfortable for students who may not be well represented at Penn and at GSE. By being in a position to facilitate some of the conversations and experiences to make others aware of this difference and help others negotiate this difference, I feel like I am doing something valuable and worthwhile for students on both ends of the spectrum. I also feel confident in my ability to be in this position and manage it well, with the help of others, because this is something that I have experienced firsthand, on many occasions.
Tonight in my Multicultural Literature class we began by reading a poem entitled “You Have to Live in Somebody Else's Country to Understand.” Upon reading this poem I immediately related it to my experience as a "minority" (I do not like using this word, but I can't think of anything else right now) at Penn. I have been in this situation before, but the differences are so pronounced when coming from four years after being at an HBCU. I'm sure that everybody has had an "outsider" experience before, and have known the uncomfortable nature of this experience...now, I ask you to picture your outsider experience in an educational setting, where you are trying to learn. Is not very easy...
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P.s. this is melissa again-- can you tell me more about being a diversity fellow?
I go to Hampton University and I'm worried about fitting back into a predominantly white environment after my time here. I'm glad you explained that it feels a bit weird, because it shows you're not avoiding the issue. Do you think it's worth it though (is the return worth it)? Do you regret going Ivy League?
In no way do I regret my decision! I feel like since I have an "issue/problem" it is partially my job to help solve it. Even though I was selected to be the diversity fellow, it put me in a great position to make changes and bring these issues to light. You may not have the opportunity to be in a position like the diversity fellow, but as an individual there are still things you can do. I don't know if I made this clear, but I do not encounter diversity issues in the curriculum or with my professors, but it is more so with my cohorts...there is often a lack of understanding/misunderstanding that needs to be settled. I don't know how well I answered your question, but please feel free to email me and I will def be glad to help you out.
i think this was a good blog... i like this idea of the blogs. i am interested in the diversity fellow thing too. I am impressed that you feel bold enough to tell the truth on here about your cohorts. I encounter that naivete in the schools i work at alllll the time.
Well I am very glad that you find it useful. The whole point is to try to paint the clearest and most accurate picture, as possible, so that you will feel like you have the knowledge and expereince before you enter the situation.
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