Embrace Diversity

Daniel Tran

Dr. Young- 4th Period

Dual Credit English IV

Embracing Diversity

"Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another's uniqueness."-Ola Joseph. So why is diversity so important and what does it do exactly? First and foremost, diversity helps us to become more accepting of others and to look beyond skin color, culture, and background. Given the fact that I have associated myself with people of all races and backgrounds throughout my entire life, I certainly know what it means to be diverse and I also know that I would be able to bring this sense of "diversity" to a college campus.

Although I was born and raised in Arlington, Texas, I am Vietnamese. Growing up in a Vietnamese culture in an American society, I have often been identified as a minority. While many consider being a minority a little different, I never felt too different from the rest. Without the superficial characteristics, such as differences in skin color and language, there is not much separating us from one another as we may think.

When the topic of diversity comes up in a conversation, traits such as ethnicity and background usually come to mind. However, being diverse means so much more, as everyone can be different in their talents or in their manner of thinking. I first came to experience this type of diversity while working as a behind-the-scenes stage manager of my school's talent show when I was in the eighth grade. Minutes before the show was about to begin, I was frantically checking everything and everybody in order to make sure everything was absolutely perfect for the show. Even though I was not going to be on stage performing, my hands started to perspire and I began to feel butterflies fluttering in my stomach. Fortunately, after a few minutes into the first act, I finally started to ease up and was able to enjoy the show. While the show smoothly progressed, I became increasingly fascinated with the performers. I had known...