Commitment to Diversity

As a leader in diversity and inclusion on campus, I’ve worked to create spaces where every student feels heard and valued. Whether through organizing events, facilitating conversations, or addressing tough topics head-on, I’ve sought to foster a culture of understanding. This commitment extends to my work in journalism, where telling stories with accuracy and empathy is just as important as reporting the facts. By amplifying diverse voices and tackling complex issues, I’ve learned that leadership and journalism share a common goal: creating meaningful dialogue that drives change. Below is a column about my time as a founding member of the Inclusion Diversity and Leadership Council (IDLC):

My school asks each of us: What do you want your legacy to be? Generally, students think about how they can set athletic records or be student council president; however, when I think about the legacy I want to leave, I hope I’m forgotten. In other words, I hope my mark has made it easier for others to leave theirs. Creating a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and the freedom to share their beliefs encourages people to come together, fostering an academically and emotionally supportive environment.

As a freshman, I wanted to impact my school’s culture by addressing what I perceived to be a lack of understanding of the benefits of a diverse and inclusive environment, so I jumped at the opportunity to join the new IDLC. I worked with a team to host the first “Multicultural Night”, an all-school celebration with food and performances where students host display tables showcasing their culture. In its third year, over 1,000 people interested in learning about others’ backgrounds attended the event. Furthermore, by mediating “Lions’ Table” conversations, I encouraged students to practice civil discourse while discussing on-campus and global issues. By creating spaces for meaningful dialogue and celebrating diversity, the IDLC showcases the benefits of having a unified community.

While events spread awareness on a broader scale, I’ve found the most impactful way to spark change is through conversations with my classmates. By listening to them, I serve as an ally, representing their needs to our school’s administration to make their voices heard. Or, when a peer makes an insensitive comment, I pull them into a one-on-one conversation and hold them accountable by treating the moment like a learning experience instead of criticizing them. By fostering a community where students hold each other accountable, negativity is overpowered by a shared desire to grow together. When everyone on campus is doing the work I did, promoting inclusion and creating belonging through listening, the IDLC may no longer be necessary– and this will also be part of my vanishing legacy.