Reflective Essay: Diversity In El Paso

More than experience and knowledge, I crave diversity. I was born and raised in a large city in west Texas. A city, dominated by the Hispanic community. In fact, El Paso’s population is 80% Hispanic. My first year of university, I decided I wanted to find out just how diverse my own country could be. I spent that first year in Portland, Oregon. A city that was polar opposites with El Paso. With a 72% Caucasian population, I never in a million years thought I would befriend people from Kuwait, Malaysia, China, Korea, Vietnam, California, New York, Florida, or even people who grew up in the same state as I did. My final years of undergrad I am spending in Texas, once again. Although I am back “home” I’m still experiencing a type of diversity

What I learned from my run in with diversity is that to me, it is much more than just a box you check off on an application. El Paso is basically its own little ecosystem. We don't exactly fit in with the norms of Texas, New Mexico or Mexico. Living in this new part of my state has really opened my eyes to the Texas way of living. With so many blonde haired, blue eyed Texans I was pleasantly surprised when introduced to my professors. Through them I’ve learned about places I’ve never been; Houston, Thailand, Louisiana, and Pakistan to name a few. I’ve been exposed to many different ethnicities and culture in the comfort of my own country. The world is diverse and I would love to incorporate that into my learning. I yearn to be cultured in the ways of the world, internationally, locally and nationally. I find it very interesting and believe it would help me in my future endeavors when trying to target an audience. Many of Penn State’s graduate programs are known for being diverse in more than one category. It is even publicized on the Bellisario College’s graduate program page. Diversity is definitely one factor drawing me to Penn

Professors shower students with opportunities and hands on work left and right. If you are hungry for skill and experience they will most definitely give you what you want. The fact that many, many students of Penn State University say they were given the same exact treatment, respect and opportunity I am given at a school I love, draws me to Penn State. I have done my research, watched dozens upon dozens of testimonial videos, both through the Penn State website and through my own exploration, with a little help from YouTube. I have read online blogs and message boards, I have even read and watched statements from faculty members from Penn State. I am a prospective student and I want to attend a university that will treat me like a human being and grant me the same opportunities as anyone else. I know what the discipline of communication holds in store for me. It has been outlined for me time and time again by mentors, advisors, friends in graduate programs, and many different university websites. The outside of a university can have as many bells and whistles as it wants to grab soon-to-be Nittany Lions, but it is the inner mechanics of the school that really