Often the terms ethnicity and culture are used interchangeably, although their definitions are different. Ethnicity refers to the identity that is assigned to a specific group of people who are historically connected by a common national origin or language. For example, one of the largest ethnic groups in the United States, Latinos, consists of people from more than thirty countries within North, Central, and South America.

Culture is defined as those aspects of a group of people that are passed on or learned. Traditions, food, language, clothing styles, artistic expression, and beliefs are all part of culture.

Race commonly refers to biological characteristics that are shared by groups of people, including skin tone, hair texture and color, and facial features. Making generalizations about someone’s racial group affiliation is risky. Even people who share some biological features—such as similar eye shape or skin color—might be ethnically distinct.

All of us come into the world with our own unique characteristics; aspects of our physical appearance, our personalities, and our experiences make us who we are. As unique as each one of us is, people around the world have one thing in common: We want to be respected even if we are different from others in some ways. Whatever the color of your skin or hair, whatever your life experiences or cultural background, you will want others to treat you fairly and acknowledge and value your contribution to your communities and the world. And, of course, others will want the same from you.

Religion is a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed on by a number of persons or sects. Freedom to practice one’s religion has been central to the American experience. In fact, many settlers of the original thirteen colonies came to North America to escape religious-based discrimination.

While in college, your openness to diversity will add to your understanding of the many ways in which people are different from one another. Learn not to make assumptions, rely on stereotypes, or rush to judgment. Give yourself time to get to know someone before forming an opinion about him or her.