Diversity is not limited to the physical. My involvement within the Office of Multicultural Affairs is a prime example of how broad diversity and inclusion is on campus. Being involved in the Multicultural Summer Link, a program for first year college students ,was my first influential example of this. As a leader of this organization, I was able to see this from the perspective of a student and a coordinator in the program. The diversity was shown in the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, knowledge, and trauma that each of us carried. I taught skill-building sessions for the class participants and facilitated discussions. This initiative alone strived to create equality, promote financial literacy, and fill in the disparities that people of color face. Even though we were all of color diversity was still distinctively shown within us. The impact that was among all was the inclusion of the program. I strived to make everyone feel as though they belonged, and they had a place there. Among our differences we deeply appreciated how each of us was different. For example, Black student union and Multicultural summer link hosted an event called “Destress this Mess.” Creating an inclusivity environment for everyone is deeper than belonging, we created a family. It showed how a family was filled with community and not limited to biology. My involvement in this event was to close out the year strong and show my appreciation to the students for letting me mentor them. Black student union is an organization that embodies inclusivity. Since the first event that I participated in they allowed me to show up and that was completely enough. Where I was welcomed without judgement and ridicule.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another”. - 1 John 4:11 I give back because it doesn’t feel like giving, it feels natural and unconditional. I intentionally give because I believe in helping others when I can. Leading and volunteering comes naturally when you have practiced enough self-care and love of prioritizing yourself. Giving is important because it is so diverse, and you can give unto others in so many various ways. I give back the most during volunteering opportunities because I feel like the need has already been seen out. Volunteering is the most informative way to help one another because it is usually collaboratively organized to seek a specific need. Mentorship is another way that I have been blessed to help other people. This role is unique because it’s a way to give to others without always a direct benefit of something in return which I think builds character. I’m called to give back to others and expect nothing in return and it builds character.

The afternoon before the next cross-country meet. That was halfway through the season. I walked into practice feeling content with the day I was having. We were stretching and getting ready to begin our practice. That day, my coach and I agreed on a schedule to maintain my job and continue to be apart of the team. In the previous weeks, I had been fulfilling that plan. But mistakes happened along the way; however, I always tried to communicate with my coach. The night before, I got off work and reviewed my work schedule for the week. I had mentally went through the days I had practice and when I worked. Looking forward left me hopeful I felt like I wouldn't have trouble managing time and commitments. At the same time, be able to participate in most of my meets and practices. As I walked over to my team, anticipating just a greeting, my coach called me from within the crowd. The attention made me very uncomfortable because I wasn't sure what was going to be said. "Hey, I'd like to see you be more committed to this team. I think you need to communicate with us more when you cannot make it to practice. This team counts on you to be here. The other girls need you to support them. What's been up with you? Do you not want to be apart of this team?".Suddenly, I began to feel overwhelmed. Extracurricular activities and having a job seemed to be coexisting fine within my life. It was a slap on the wrist when told that I wasn't putting my best foot forward. As I walked into the crowd, assuming that nobody else saw nor heard what was going on. I felt irresponsible and that I let my team down. But, work was more of a priority to me, and I didn't obtain a license. I struggled with getting to work and being able to leave school and come back for practice. After having enough time to spend thinking, I decided to talk to my coach. I told him that I would like to remain on the team. And that being apart of this team was essential to me. Now I need to create strategies to become a better team player and employee. I found solutions such as staying with a friend after school until practice since my parents worked late. Another was having a friend drop me off at work on days I didn't have training. I tried my best to be open and communicate with my coach. I felt a sense of comfort being able to keep my word and manage my commitments. I try my best not to overbook myself or commit to more than I can give. With this in mind, remembering why you commit to things and what they ask of you helps you to be consistent. This experience has set the tone for what kind of person I have become. I no longer over-commit to things; instead, I chose organizations with compassion, which helps with giving my engagement to the programs and organizations involved. It allows my future to be abundant with opportunities I fully commit to and reflects my participation in that activity.