Exam 13: Experiencing Difference

When it comes to issues of diversity in college, your past is irrelevant-only the future matters.

Hal attended Catholic school up through his graduation from high school. In the fall, he will be heading off to college at a state university. It will be the first time he's lived on his own, and the first time he's attended a public school. What is likely to be the biggest difference between Hal's experience in high school and his experience in college?

Kayode's parents immigrated to the United States from Ethiopia over twenty years ago. He attended high school in a predominantly African American neighborhood, where he excelled in math and science. Now he attends school at a prestigious private university where he is studying to be an environmental engineer. Kayode has noticed that most of his classmates are Caucasians who come from a wealthy background. Although they get along well, Kayode would like to find out about opportunities to interact with a more diverse group of students. Which resource on campus would most likely be able to help Kayode find what he's looking for?

Which office on campus would be the best resource for students who served in the military to find other students with similar experiences?

Victoria, a Protestant Republican Latina, is a first-year student at the local community college. She is only taking two classes each term because she works full-time to support her family. Although she does not spend as much time on campus as other students, she wants to feel like she belongs there. An advisor suggested she join one of the organizations on campus. Which organization should Victoria join if her goal is to make meaningful connections with other members of the group?

When trying to make connections with other students, it is appropriate to ask them about their lives and where they come from.

An important part of embracing diversity is

The more you learn about others on a personal level, the more you'll make assumptions based on the "group" they are associated with.

Many campuses want to push students outside their comfort zones by providing opportunities for interaction with people from various backgrounds and belief systems.

Gina identifies as Italian American and grew up in a primarily Italian American neighborhood. She went to public school, where most of her classmates came from similar families. Which type of diversity did Gina likely encounter least when she was growing up?

What should you do if you are struggling to make connections at college?

Give four examples of ways to find support around difference on campus.

It often takes time to get acclimated to a new environment, especially if you are in the minority in some way.

When you listen closely to other people and understand what experiences have shaped their lives, you'll be able to understand who they are and the differences they bring to the table.

If you are in a group conversation and want to encourage meaningful connections by getting people to open up and share personal information, it would be most appropriate and effective to

To connect with others who are different from you, you may have to step out of your comfort zone. Describe at least three ways that you can step out of your comfort zone on campus and how each can help you make connections with others. Include examples in your response.

A _____ is a preconceived notion about a particular culture, religion, or behavior.

Diversity involves more than race.

Most people harbor stereotypes.

What should you do when communicating with people from a different culture?