UB Honors Scholars, Admission Essay Example

Since I was a child, I did not know that diversity is a value that is displayed in mutual respect and appreciate the differences and similarities such as ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, gender education and culture among others. Growing up in an environment where diversity was respected has taught me to relate with different people in a team where each member applies his or her talent, experiences and skills in pursuit of a similar goal. I have had the chance to travel across the country in several states where I have met people from different backgrounds, including the minorities and even foreigners. The most fun about the trips was meeting new people and making new friends with different experiences and perspectives which made my trip around the globe a more valuable lesson as I gained insights into other people’s way of life and beliefs. It has made me appreciate my own culture from a different perspective. However, this had not always been the case since I had struggled to find my footing from a young age due to my cultural background. I viewed those around me as superior since I had not had a chance to interact with them and see life from their perspective. I have since overcome the notion that some races are superior to others by interacting with other people that may be termed as different from the person I am.

I now appreciate my background and respect others despite their place of origin or way of life. I also participate in sporting activities where all members come from different backgrounds such as ethnic groups, Caucasians and even different educational backgrounds. My family is well grounded in matters of diversity as it is a mixed-race extended family. I remember vividly how I developed a close relationship with my football team members and we would use our different skills and experiences in forming a strong bond that led us to several victories in the field throughout my schooling years. My love for books has broadened my perspective on life as well as in academics. I now realize that reading is among the most efficient ways of gaining new knowledge and having a different outlook on life. Reading also enhances my focus and concentration.

I want to take a more active role in furthering diversity at the University by participating in programs such as those with underrepresented groups that the school admits. I understand from personal experience that to achieve trust, success, and honesty, a person needs to develop respectful environments for the values. I will strive to make my peers question their assumption on their experiences, behavior, and views as they examine their own cultural values and beliefs while accommodating the outsider’s values. Moreover, I will also encourage them to discuss the values they are most proud of regarding their cultural heritage. They will compare and contrast their own family values, practices and the worldview of other families across America and the world by extension.

I will not abandon my dream of co-curriculum activities such as playing football and other sporting activities as it is a platform to interact with people from all over the world with different cultural, academic and social background from where I can learn about others. I hold the notion that the items or phenomena that may seem small or trivial are understood and interpreted differently by people. I believe that somebody with a different academic background and culture can direct me to a completely different way of thinking which leads to new leaps in thinking and understanding. In this regard, I not only look forward to interacting with my peers but with the Faculty as well as I open my mind further to becoming diverse throughout my education.