Ivy League Connection - Brown '08

We had a diversity workshop tonight during community time. I've done this type of thing before but each time I do it I'm surprised by how much I learn about people that I thought I knew. It is a constant struggle for me and it takes workshops like these to remind me that I simply cannot judge a person from the little tidbits of information I get from what they say and how they act. In class here, we are constantly bringing up the issue of gender stereotypes but I think it's important not to ignore the other kinds of stereotypes. For instance, I automatically and subconsciously register being rich with being stuck up or snobby and having a carefree life. Workshops like these however, remind me of things that I personally don't have to deal with. My classmates have commented on the enormous pressure that their parents and teachers put on them and how stressed out they become by their constant reminders to try harder and do more. Not getting into a school for them not only means letting themselves down but letting their family down as well. These sort of workshops call attention to subjects that would not normally be talked about and everyone is able to openly learn and work off one another. That's why I think that if I don't learn anything else during my time here at Brown, this one eye opening activity was really worth all the time and effort that it took to get me and the other students from the WCCUSD here. Thanks again!