Answering questions about diversity

[Soleil9]

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Hey everyone,

I'm having such a tough time writing my Wayne State secondary... One of the questions asks to "describe a noteworthy experience you have had with others from a diverse background"...

I know what they're getting at, their school is in a very african-american area... I mean, it's inner-city Detroit, the white folk have been fleeing in droves for the past 15 years.... I think they want to make sure those applying have a healthy attitude about race relations, a very good idea.

Anyhow, I'm having a tough time describing a noteworthy experience. I'm white, but half of my family is black. Really, in my family it's no big deal. It's so a non-issue for me. Sorry, no mind blowing experiences here.... Anyone else in a situation like this?

 

[fotolilith]

Hey everyone,

I'm having such a tough time writing my Wayne State secondary... One of the questions asks to "describe a noteworthy experience you have had with others from a diverse background"...

Anyhow, I'm having a tough time describing a noteworthy experience. I'm white, but half of my family is black. Really, in my family it's no big deal. It's so a non-issue for me. Sorry, no mind blowing experiences here.... Anyone else in a situation like this?

This sounds as good as any. They probably don't want anything forced, like "I volunteered in the ghetto and now I think all God's children are the same." You can't just give them lip service, so go with what you know. Bring up the benefits of growing up in a multicultural/ ethnic family, show how it strengthens you and prepares you for live in a diverse community like Wayne State. I think that it's important to show the strength of your background, and by bringing up just ONE story/ example and weaving into it an analysis of how well pepared you are for the world, you'll make them very excited about interviewing you.

I don't think you are as much of a loss on this as you think (especially if you throw in a bit of ass kissing and say how it prepares you for Wayne State - just a sprinkle).

 

[Soleil9]

I don't think you are as much of a loss on this as you think (especially if you throw in a bit of ass kissing and say how it prepares you for Wayne State - just a sprinkle).

Thanks for the pep-talk... I always forget about the assKissing when I write these things....

 

[ddmo]

It doesn't have to be about race. I think I talked about my time in Spain and the cultural differences. And people started fleeing Detroit after the 1967 riots, but it seems like things are actually starting to reverse in terms of white flight.

 

[fotolilith]

Thanks for the pep-talk... I always forget about the assKissing when I write these things....

Well, a little desperation is good - think about it, would you want someone coming to your home if they didn't seem to really want to be there in the first place? The secondaries are a great way to make your application individual - and not just for you, but for them. I'm not saying you "play the race card," but you've got a good perspective to start from.