When you think about diversity, you might first think of differences in race or ethnicity. Although it is true that those are two forms of diversity, you will most likely experience many other types of diversity in college and in the workplace, including age, religion, economic status, physical challenges, learning challenges, and sexuality.
Age Although many students enter college around age eighteen, others choose to enter or return in their thirties and beyond. Age diversity in the classroom gives everyone the opportunity to learn from others who have different life experiences. Many factors determine when students enter higher education for the first time or when they leave college and then reenter. If you are attending a college that has a large population of students who are older or younger than you, this can be an advantage. A campus where students of different ages are in classes together can be an invigorating learning environment.
Gender The words gender and sex are often used interchangeably, but as you become part of an academic community, you will start to think differently about terms and ideas you’ve always known. Generally speaking, sex is used when discussing someone’s biological makeup, whereas gender refers to the things a person says, does, or wears that help display to the world what the person’s gender affiliation is. While sex is often thought of as either male or female, gender is generally understood as a continuum consisting of many different ways of identifying oneself. Many colleges and universities are now paying more attention to their transgendered students and are offering special support to this important, and sometimes neglected, population.
While in college, make friends with all kinds of people, avoid stereotyping what is “appropriate” for one group or another, and don’t limit your interests. For example, consider taking a gender studies course if your school has a gender studies department. Gender studies courses are generally interdisciplinary and look at subject matter from the perspective of gender. These classes aren’t necessarily about women or men; rather, they consider how the concept of gender influences the way we see and shape the world around us. Such a course could open up new ways of thinking about many aspects of your world.
high-impact practice 2
Write and Reflect
Gender and Opportunities
Has anyone ever tried to convince you to forgo an educational or job opportunity based on your gender? Are there special jobs or other life experiences that should be restricted to one gender or the other? Write a short paper in which you argue that gender should or should not narrow life choices or options.
Religion Many students come to college with deeply held religious views. Some will create or join faith communities on campus. These faith communities will encompass those with a common Judeo-Christian heritage, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and more. Learning about different faith perspectives is another way you can explore human differences. Some students and instructors may consider themselves atheists or agnostics, either denying or doubting the existence of a divine creator.
Whatever your religious views may be, it is important that you respect the views of others. Learning more about world religions can help you better understand your own faith perspective.
Economic Status The United States is a country of vast differences in wealth. This considerable economic diversity can be either a positive or a negative aspect of college life. On the positive side, you will be exposed to, and can learn from, students who have had vastly different life experiences as a result of their economic backgrounds. Meeting others who have grown up with either more or fewer opportunities than you is part of learning how to live in a democracy.
Try to avoid developing exaggerated feelings of superiority or inferiority. What matters now is not what you had or didn’t have before you came to college; what matters is what you do in college. You have more in common with other students than you think. Now your individual efforts, dreams, courage, determination, and ability to stay focused can be the determinants of your success.
From Another Country
Are you a student who has recently come to the United States from another country? Perhaps you have immigrated to the United States with family members, or perhaps you immigrated on your own. Whatever your particular situation, learning the unique language, culture, and expectations of an American college or university can be a challenge, especially if English is not your primary language. You might find that instructors’ expectations seem different from what you experienced in your home country. In the United States, instructors want students to speak up in class and work in groups. You will also find that American students sometimes challenge their instructors in ways that might seem disrespectful to you. Even if you don’t feel comfortable with your language skills, don’t give up. Your college or university probably offers English as a Second Language courses or programs to help you with your English skills. Also, visit the international student office or center to investigate ways to increase your understanding of life in the United States, both on and off campus.
Learning and Physical Challenges Although the majority of college students have reasonably average learning and physical abilities, the numbers of students with physical or learning challenges are rising on most college campuses, as are the services that are available to these students. Physical challenges can include hearing impairment, visual impairment, paralysis, or specific disorders such as cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. As discussed earlier in this book, many students have a learning disability that makes college work a challenge.
A person with a physical or learning challenge wants to be treated just as you would treat anyone else—with respect. If a student with such a challenge is in your class, treat him or her as you would any student; too much eagerness to help might be seen as an expression of pity.
If you have, or think you might have, a learning disability, visit your campus learning center for testing, diagnosis, and advice on getting extra help for learning problems. Unlike in high school, college students with disabilities need to inform the appropriate office if they require accommodations.
Sexuality The word sexuality refers to the people to whom you are romantically attracted. You are probably familiar with the terms gay, straight, homosexual, heterosexual, and bisexual. In college you will likely meet students, staff members, and instructors whose sexual orientation differs from yours. While some people are lucky enough to come from welcoming environments, for many students, college is the first time they have been able to express their sexual identity openly. Sexual orientation can be difficult to talk about, and it is important that you respect all individuals that you meet. Check to see if your campus has a center for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning (LGBTQ) community. If there are educational events about sexual identity on your campus, consider going to hear some speakers and expanding your worldview.