How would you define diversity and why?

         Diversity is the different components or characteristics that make people distinctive. These characteristics include but are not limited to: age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic class, etc. It can also be the intersectionality between two or more characteristics. I define diversity as this because it is more inclusive than some alternatives. When I think of diversity I think of differences, because that is basically what it is. It includes all of the components that make each person different and unique and put them together. A diverse workplace or classroom is when you have people from all different walks of life coming together. Although this does not mean that it is easy to have diversity because not everyone is used to 

Why does your definition of diversity matter?

         The term diversity has been used more frequently in recent years. A couple examples of this is when companies are looking to diversify their workforce or when universities are trying to attract a more diverse student population. For instance, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater prides themselves on being a very diverse campus. I believe this definition of diversity is important because it is more inclusionary than others. This is important because a lot of people feel like they aren’t fitting in or they aren’t accepted because of their differences than what they see being represented in the mass media and this can be hard. However, we were not all made to fit in, we are all different and we should celebrate our differences and utilize them to the best of our abilities. An example of this is when you are working in a group or at work with a diverse group, you are able to see more of the picture because of people coming with different lived experiences and being able to bring their perspectives to the table. 

How has your learning about diversity helped you to be a more engaged and responsible citizen?

         I’ll be honest, I decided to add this certificate to my accomplishments during my time here at Whitewater because it would look good on resumes and be able to utilize what I’ve learned in the workplace.A lot of companies and a lot of corporations are struggling to find the balance when it comes to diversity, they want to be more diverse but they don’t know how to do it. They don’t know how to treat people, they don’t know how to be empathetic, they don’t know how to listen, and they end up hiring people for the sole purpose of managing diversity. For instance, Under Armour has what they like to call clubs in order for their members to feel respected. A couple of these groups include Black Employees Achieving Together, Women Inspiring Leading Living, Military Veterans Club, and Leading and Empowering Asian Development. However, I learned a lot during the last four years about myself, others, and how to be more empathetic when it comes to diversity. I am able to understand that not everybody is the same and that we cannot treat everyone the same because of our differences. Not everyone had the same resources while brought up and that impacts how we act as we grow up and when we are older. I have learned that communication and empathy are key in order to be a more engaged and responsible citizen. I take my time to listen to others now. I speak up for what is right. I talk about injustices if they occur, for example my community event written about Ahmaur Arbery. I can honestly say that I have been able to demonstrate all of the learning objectives because of the certificate. The only learning objective not mentioned throughout other papers in the certificate is number seven, interact meaningfully and build relationships with diverse communities and individuals through engagement with real-world challenges. A way that I have been able to do this is through working with New Beginnings, a domestic violence and sexual assault resource in Whitewater, in order to help them get their social media updated and to post content for them. I was able to help them get the word out and bring engagement into that community so survivors know they are able to get help and that there are resources in Whitewater. Additionally, I have been standing up for what is right and utilizing the privilege I have as a young white female to spread the word about injustices. I am also demonstrating the ability to see things from others' perspectives by not jumping to a conclusion right away and really listening to the issue at and. 

How might your diversity education equip you to contribute to the professional world?      

         I have learned a lot at Whitewater through the different programs that I’ve been a part of which is quite vast being a double major in a double certificate and going abroad twice. All of these diversity educational programs have helped me be able to learn myself better and be able to learn that others are different which sounds redundant but it’s true. I think we take for granted how we live and the way that we were raised. At least I know I have, and I know not everybody has been able to be as blessed as me. I’m not saying that I grew up with an abundance of resources, quite the opposite in some areas but overall I had it really good growing up. The point I am trying to make is that you can’t judge a book by its cover, which also sounds redundant but it is also true. That's what the Diversity Leadership Certificate program is all about; it's about learning that there are differences between us and still coming together to move forward past those differences. To listen empathetically to utilize the concepts that we’ve learned in order to help others and to make social change.

         I think everybody utilized the educational resources for diversity that they have available to them because there is a need for it in today’s world. If more people become educated about our differences instead of judging and assuming off of skin color, religion, class, etc., we would be in a much better place. I’m not saying that learning about diversity is going to end hate and war and stereotypes but it’s a good start. The knowledge could spread like the coronavirus, the more of us that learn about it the more they can share insights on diversity and learning to appreciate our differences. 

         To go on a tangent, I fully believe that if we treat people better at work that they’ll be better people when they’re at home. You can’t go to work for 40+ hours a week, which is a good majority of the week spent away from home so it’s away from family and loved ones, possibly get treated badly and then expect to go home and not hold a grudge or have anger or resentment, that’s just not possible for everyone. Many people face discrimination in the workplace and because of learning about diversity I am better equipped to help end that, no matter what position I am in the future. Professionally, I’m gonna be a much better leader and team member because of learning about diversity and what makes us different and how to work with others who are different. I am able to be more empathetic, kind, compassionate, and understanding with people. I will be able to use the privilege and power I have in order to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. I want to help people and make them feel better. I want them to grow and better themselves, and being able to understand that each person will have to do this in their own time and pace because of the diversity out there has helped me learn to be patient in the future.