"I embrace the richness of different perspectives."

Over the years, the image of a college campus has evolved rapidly. With the influx of students from new cultures and countries, a college campus becomes more diverse. Being part of a diverse campus means many things: it can mean learning about other's culture and backgrounds while it can also mean representation of your own culture and background.
But first, what is diversity?
It can be defined as the fact there are people of many different groups in society and within an organization.

In this context, it is where people of different backgrounds exists in the same college campus.
Knowing the definition of diversity, why is it important to understand its role on a college campus?
Encourage self-reflection
Meeting and communicating with people of different backgrounds exposes you to new perspectives.These new perspectives encourage self-reflection and helps you become a more open-minded person while reducing biases on your own views.
Outstanding applicant for career opportunities
As a student in a diverse environment, you will have the opportunity to engage in projects and ideas that can enhance your learning experiences and skills. These experiences and skills can be impactful for future career paths and opportunities.
A study conducted by Alex Richards (2011) shows that 85% of the participants wants diversity in their business.

Promote open-mindedness
Being able to immerse yourself in a diverse campus will not only give you an opportunity to communicate with students of different backgrounds, you will also be exposed to new ideas that promotes open-mindedness.
Enhance critical thinking
When you are surrounded in a diverse population, you are prone to new thinking and perspectives. These new perspectives are more likely to motivate people to become active seeks to improve themselves and enhance critical thinking.
How to get yourself involved with diversity on a college campus?

Involve with International activities and events
Events like the Lunar/Chinese New Year, International Festivals and many other events celebrates the diversity and the different cultures on a college campus. You can immerse yourself by attending or volunteering these events.
Involve with clubs
There are clubs and organizations that promotes diversity on campus, including established organizations such as the MUN, Rotaract Club or the Student Government on your college campus. Other great options to explore are clubs that promotes diversity such as clubs for International Students, Asian Student Associations or Intramural Sports, all are good opportunities to expand your experience with diversity.
Create your own organization or clubs
If you would like to advertise anew group of culture or country, you can also start your own club or organization. Be sure to look into more information on how to get started.
It is always important to remember that no matter where you are, your identity is a core part of yourself and will always be celebrated. Your identity contributes to the diversity of the campus and should never be diminished.
Your identity is your superpower - America Ferrera
To the history and those they inspire - Google
Diversity is everywhere - not just on college campuses, but all around the world. Happy Black History Month and Happy Lunar New Year to all!
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