“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”- Ghandi

Over the past two years I have grown significantly in understanding the importance of being culturally and socially aware of those around me. As a high school student I thought of culture as very black and white with little grey area; I thought it was “us” and “them”.  It was not until visually seeing the diverse population at Mason that I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and learn about the different cultures my peers at Mason have to offer.  I started to realize that every single individual has many different layers that attributes to their success and personality, whether that is their cultural background or the values and morals they were raised by.

Coming to Mason has given me the opportunities to interact with different people and learn about different cultures, and also hear the “truths” of who they are.  The truths and stories that my peers have shared with me has made me more open to have dialogue about the identities which people carry and how all of the identities collectively create a narrative of what it means to be a student at George Mason and the privileges each student has because of the interaction with someone different than our own.  At Mason there are so many opportunities for learning and growth in social and cultural awareness.  Every week there is at least one cultural event or meeting that students can learn or celebrate other traditions.  I appreciate the opportunity to explore and learn about other cultures at Mason because it shows that we are committed to being representative of all student who walk on to Mason whether a student is affiliated with a specific race, religion, class or sexual orientation.

I think of Mason has the perfect opportunity for social and cultural immersion because we represent a large population of people from all other the United States and across the world.  Being located in the metropolitan area of D.C also allows for me to also explore the culture of the area which I live.  I am able to immerse myself into a culture or experience other than my own; it has taught me about who I am as a person, and the role I can play as an active citizen on campus and in my community.  I am learning that there are many different lens which we all look at the world and there is no one correct way.  Opening up my mind to new ideas and cultures has left me with many unanswered questions that I am thankful, because without them I would not explore and be interested in learning more about what I do not know.  I am learning that it is okay to not know, but it is not okay to not want to learn because if I am not learning I am not growing or becoming more socially aware of those around me.  As I begin to learn more and become more socially and culturally involved I am realizing that  it is also an injustice to not want to educate others and encourage my peers to become more socially and culturally involved.  I think that as a person who is starting to become less oblivious to what is happening around me, I want to be an advocate for change and be an ally to those who cannot always voice their opinion alone.

I am proud to say that I am becoming more socially and culturally aware of my surroundings, it I could not have done it without the help of my peers and just being open to new experiences.  Although I am happy with my progress I have made since entering college, I know that the learning and growing is never done and I must continue to want to act in way that is positively acting more socially and culturally aware of those around me and the opportunities it can bring.

At the screening of Girl Rising in the JC Cinema.