Hi, I'm hoping to hear your thoughts on two potential diversity essay ideas:
1) Veganism - I initially became vegan for personal health, but then became aware of the moral/environmental/political implications of animal agriculture. This change in perspective also refined my justification for animal research (which I still use and support). I have learned how to discuss/defend my views without making others feel judged or angry. This goes for conversations with vegans against animal models too. My food choices have also shaped my long-time cooking and weight lifting hobbies (insert protein deficient vegan joke here). I also joined an organization that cooks vegetarian food for the local homeless population
2) Temporary disability - due to a developmental condition I developed chronic hip/leg pain, used a cane for 6 months, underwent surgery, and am now on crutches. I have dealt with the stigma/assumptions/challenges of being physically disabled, and talked with people who had more long term conditions. This experience also showed me what it's like to be a patient, and learn what nurse/doctor behaviors are unhelpful.
3) I have a pretty extensive knowledge of foreign psychedelic rock music and DJ'd a radio show.
Which idea would you recommend that I use for diversity essays? All 3 have certainly expanded my perspectives, and define who I am today. If I have the space, would it be fine to discuss them all? I could also use #2 for adversity and "anything else you want us to know" questions.
My concerns for #1 are that people have negative assumptions of vegans (judgy, difficult, etc). For #2 I have read some cynical comments online saying that many premeds tend to "use" their medical conditions to write cliched "sob stories" about understanding the patient experience.
