faced with ethnocentrism. Embracing diversity and speaking out against bigotry
are integral qualities in modern culture to succeed-- not only in career-- but as a
human being.
Through volunteering for two non-profit mentorship programs, I first
realized how I would like to apply my abilities towards helping others. I took an
opportunity to mentor a five-year-old child from Guatemala named Kemberly
through Head Start Program. The lessons I learned while mentoring Kemberly
have been indescribably valuable in understanding diversity from the perspective
of a targeted minority. When we first met, Kemberly was very shy and reserved.
Her initial timidity was likely a learned response from the constant cruelty and
scapegoat accusations her family endured as a minority amongst an upper
middle-class community. A common misunderstanding is that all migrant workers
and students are “illegal aliens” who steal work opportunities from locals.
Although Kemberly’s parents are legally dwelling in the U.S., they suffer from
constant racial intolerance and are forced to work for very little money.
Fortunately, the encouragement provided by Head Start Program helped
Kemberly gain confidence and self worth as I got to watch her grow and open up
to me.
In my sophomore year of college, I was chosen to participate in an
internship at Place Of Hope-- a non-profit group foster home organization in Palm
Beach County. I was able to see firsthand what goes on behind the scenes to
fund a private non-profit organization. I would like to apply my natural passion for
advocating societal unity in a field based on the importance of cultural
understanding. Specifically, I would like to pursue a career in protecting
immigrant rights through educating the next generation. Fear of the unknown is a
driving force behind disrespectful behavior towards any minority; if nationally
born citizens learn the importance of diversity, a community's immigrant
people may live in safety and peace. In turn, new citizens can use their skills to
boost economic stability and growth.
Studying at Westminster will provide an opportunity for me to immerse
myself in a new culture and further expand my knowledge of understanding
diversity. As a foreign student, I would like to share my experience with others by
focusing on community and cultural acceptance. I am confident that studying at
Westminster will give me the tools and experience I need to successfully pursue
and grow-- not only in my future career-- but as a human being.
