Empowerly

Student profile

Why do you want to attend?

My goal is to work for the government and use social justice law to effect positive change. As such, internships like The Democratic National Committee and the Human Rights Campaign offered at American University are fascinating to me. Career services are crucial too, and American is incredible in that regard. For example, there’s a job fair where I could connect with changemakers and build my professional network. Also, I love the fact that the school values diversity and stands up for what’s right. The school houses people from Nigeria, UAE, Italy, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. In visiting the campus, I fell in love with the passionate, but constructive manner that the student body engaged with current events and issues in our society. This is perfect as I am actively involved in politics and social issues. Most importantly, I know that professors here truly listen to students and take time to build relationships.  

How do you personally define an inclusive environment? 

What do you believe contributes to a diverse and accepting community?

(400 words)

I define an inclusive environment as an environment which fundamentally and systematically practices acceptance. This means that, as long as you are not harming another person, your beliefs and the way you are won’t be scrutinized or held against you. In an inclusive environment, people focus on others’ cores and look at each other on a soul level. They notice what they’re about and what they believe in. This environment enables people to understand others and ensure that all human beings feel a sense of dignity.  

Too often, people are quick to judge without taking any interest in learning about others and who they are as a human being. People judge because they don’t focus on people’s individuality; they focus on their hair, their sexuality, the color of their skin, what they want from the person or what they want the person to be. When you really stop and look at people to their core, you see the light in them. Everyone has a light, just sometimes it’s dulled because people don’t allow them to share it. In an accepting and diverse environment, people of all walks of life truly cherish each other’s deeper qualities and quirks. People are given second chances and are not labelled as bad. Instead of receiving cruel punishment, they receive teaching and therapy. This is where people can truly flourish. An inclusive environment promotes success and positivity. 

There are many environments that can promote such positivity, including universities. Over the course of history, universities have furthered ideas and concepts that promote the type of environment in which all people can feel included. For instance, many universities have been at the center of movements urging greater inclusivity, whether it be the civil rights, women’s rights, free speech, or gay rights movements.