Traveling and Privilege...?

[jimboslice141414]

Hi,

I noticed a few comments on another post warning the OP to stay away from talking about experiences while traveling in the diversity essay,as it may give a sense of privilege.

I have traveled through much of Europe and I was hoping to write about my experiences in some of my secondary essays. The many people I have met and the places I have visited are very dear to me. I consider it a defining part of who I am.

What do you think? I am aware that others can not afford to travel and, believe me, I am more than humble to the opportunities I am blessed to have had.

Thank you.

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[phuynh94]

I think that if there's going to be a giant elephant in the room, then you might as well address it. There is nothing saying you can't talk about both the diverse people you've met as well as how privileged the experience made you feel. In fact, (assuming the case if true), it has the potential to be a really deep and thoughtful essay!

 

[vellez]

Honestly, it's not diverse. It just isn't. Firstly, lots of premeds have been to Europe/Africa/Latin America and for all of them, it was probably an "eye opening experience, being in a different culture." Secondly, it is priviledged.

Nothing wrong with going abroad and elaborating on it, but it is NOT a diverse activity.

 

[Mad Jack]

Depends on how you traveled and how long. Some travel is exceptional. Some reeks of entitlement.

 

[jimboslice141414]

Honestly, it's not diverse. It just isn't. Firstly, lots of premeds have been to Europe/Africa/Latin America and for all of them, it was probably an "eye opening experience, being in a different culture." Secondly, it is priviledged.

Nothing wrong with going abroad and elaborating on it, but it is NOT a diverse activity.

For the vast majority of experiences, I definitely agree. I was toying with the idea for the diversity essay, but I mentioned it in my post because that's where I got the idea from.

 

[jimboslice141414]

I think that if there's going to be a giant elephant in the room, then you might as well address it. There is nothing saying you can't talk about both the diverse people you've met as well as how privileged the experience made you feel. In fact, (assuming the case if true), it has the potential to be a really deep and thoughtful essay!

Hmm good idea, I need to think that one out. I paid for the majority of the trip myself through multiple jobs and saving for a few years. However, this was truly only possible because my family helps cover my expenses in college (co-sign loans, rent, etc.). I am sure this is true for a lot of people though

 

[jimboslice141414]

Depends on how you traveled and how long. Some travel is exceptional. Some reeks of entitlement.

Unfortunately, because of how I phrased it in my primary application, I am afraid it is more on the entitlement side of the spectrum. If I had been hitchhiking and coachsurfing my way through Europe, that would have been exceptional. However, like most students, I cheap hostel-ed my way through.

 

[vellez]

Mistake post!

 

[Cotterpin]

Maybe the problem here isn't so much that it suggests privilege, but that it probably doesn't say enough about you as a person. It doesn't say anything about your unique personality and interests. It's just like "I went on a trip and had a great time." That's not a bad thing, but surely it's not the most exciting, interesting aspect of your life.

 

[NickNaylor]

Maybe the problem here isn't so much that it suggests privilege, but that it probably doesn't say enough about you as a person. It doesn't say anything about your unique personality and interests. It's just like "I went on a trip and had a great time." That's not a bad thing, but surely it's not the most exciting, interesting aspect of your life.

I would agree.

 

[Dr.Smexy]

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[Cotterpin]

@Dr.Smexy, I love getting to see TOP whenever you make a post. 😍

 

[Dr.Smexy]

@Dr.Smexy, I love getting to see TOP whenever you make a post. 😍

You're welcome. He's a sexy mofo that is worthy to be the face of Dr.Smexy.

 

[ConfusedChemist]

Considering the average med/premed comes from an above average family, I wouldn't worry. Personally, I kind of judge people who claim to have become 'who they are' today by jetsetting around the world. But thats just me being jealous. I just don't consider vacationing to be a particularly character building experience compared to say, working and accomplishing something or helping someone

 

[wonko]

I worked as a nurse for a year, saved the cash and travelled for a year in latin america and asia. I definitely mentioned it as a big part of who I am and what I did. It took an assload of determination and will, I had to remove really a lot of obstacles, got a few thousand hours of clinical experiences in the long run, sweet language skills and an independency many people my age dont have. I could not imagine applying without elaborating on it, yet I put the overall focus of my app differently.

 

[izchief360]

When talking about your worldly experiences, avoid everything shown here.

 

[Goro]

As others have mentioned, it's very OK to be well travelled, especially given how ignorant Americans are about world geography. But the trick is to appear well travelled with out becoming off as well privileged. It's an art form, so proceed with caution.

Hi,

I noticed a few comments on another post warning the OP to stay away from talking about experiences while traveling in the diversity essay,as it may give a sense of privilege.

I have traveled through much of Europe and I was hoping to write about my experiences in some of my secondary essays. The many people I have met and the places I have visited are very dear to me. I consider it a defining part of who I am.

What do you think? I am aware that others can not afford to travel and, believe me, I am more than humble to the opportunities I am blessed to have had.

Thank you.

 

[Syns]

Coming from privilege isn't a negative unless you take what has been given to you as an obvious entitlement. In fact, people nurtured from a privileged standpoint are in a unique position to make a significant impact on the world. Now, if you have been blessed with impressive advantages and have squandered them, that speaks volumes about who you are. Did your experience make you feel like a citizen of the world and effectively produce a new sense of global responsibility? If so, how did you act on your motivations? If you didn't, don't mention this experience.

Action is meaningful; words are a poor substitute.

 

[jimboslice141414]

Thank you all so much for the feedback! These are all excellent points to contemplate. Hopefully this thread may be use of others who have a similar situation.

 

[musicalfeet]

As others have mentioned, it's very OK to be well travelled, especially given how ignorant Americans are about world geography. But the trick is to appear well travelled with out becoming off as well privileged. It's an art form, so proceed with caution.

What about when the prompt is asking "What is the most fun you've had" or something along those lines? Would it be okay then to talk about travelling? If I were to answer that prompt honestly, I really did have the most fun when I visited my family overseas and we went to a foreign country together...on vacation....

I first was hesitant about saying that because it sounded privileged, but it was the truth!

 

[Syns]

What about when the prompt is asking "What is the most fun you've had" or something along those lines? Would it be okay then to talk about travelling? If I were to answer that prompt honestly, I really did have the most fun when I visited my family overseas and we went to a foreign country together...on vacation....

I first was hesitant about saying that because it sounded privileged, but it was the truth!

Try the following approach:

fun = exposure to cultures other than your own.
Use examples where access is common! Latino markets, china-town, etc etc.

You can include international travel if you wish but I would circumvent the privilege by holding true to the underlying enjoyment of cultural exposure.

 

[Goro]

Just answer from the heart. This one is a no-brainer.

What about when the prompt is asking "What is the most fun you've had" or something along those lines? Would it be okay then to talk about travelling? If I were to answer that prompt honestly, I really did have the most fun when I visited my family overseas and we went to a foreign country together...on vacation....

I first was hesitant about saying that because it sounded privileged, but it was the truth!