Diversity enriches us all, and understanding the value of working with others and the importance of having an open mind will enhance your educational and career goals. Your college campus is diverse, and so is the workforce you will enter.

Challenge yourself to learn about various groups in and around your community, both at school and at home. These two settings might differ ethnically and culturally, giving you an opportunity to develop the skills you need to function in and adjust to a variety of settings. Attend events and celebrations outside of your regular groups. Whether they are in the general community or on campus, it is a good way to see and hear traditions that are specific to the groups being represented. Exposing yourself to new experiences through events and celebrations can be gratifying. Understanding viewpoints different from yours and learning from such differences will help you see similarities where you didn’t think they existed.

You can also become active in your own learning by making time for travel. Seeing the world and its people can be an uplifting experience. Finally, if you want to learn more about a culture or group, ask a member of that group for information. If you do so in a tactful, genuine way, most people will be happy to share information about their viewpoints, traditions, and history. It is only through allowing ourselves to grow that we really learn.