Donating books to area children and teens: Diversity Week

Throughout Diversity Week we held a book drive for children's books.

We were fortunate to partner with the Tarleton Professional Educators (TPE) and were very thankful for the MANY donations that came our way.
In fact, we had over 840 books for children/teens donated! Thank you to all of the community members who donated, for HEB for allowing us to place a donation box in the store, and for the many volunteers who worked to have boxes throughout our campus.

These donations went to Big Brothers/Big Sisters and to Child Protective Services of Erath County.

We hope that you will stop by the office (TSC # 21). Also, look for us on social media. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TarletonDiversityInclusion and read along with our journeys here on the blog:  http://tarletondiversityinclusion.blogspot.com/ 

You can also see our images on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarletondiversity/ 

Or follow us on Twitter: @DiversityTSU or email us directly at Diversity@Tarleton.edu  

Diversity Week – Unity in Our Community

I always enjoy attending events put together by the Officeof Diversity and Inclusion. The reason behind this is because they make me think of various aspects of society, culture, and people around me. Being a multiculturalambassador, I got to learn so much about things which were always there but I never noticed or paid much attention to. One of highlights for this semester was ODI’s Diversity Week. Whenever we hear the word “Diversity”, we generally think of socio-economic differences, gender, race, and ethnicity. But this time, the Office of Diversity had put limelight on a whole different aspect of Diversity. A mosaic of events was organized for the week where students, staff, and faculty members talked about Diversity in various fields. For instance, the week kicked off with a discussion on biodiversity in agriculture. The discussion focused on the changing face of agriculture with advent of genetically modified plants, and advancements in meat industry. On the second day, there was a panel discussion on diverse political perspectives. The panelists answered really interesting questions regarding politics such as why does it matter, what needs to be done to understand the importance of your vote and how to make it more effective? The same day we had a presentation by Tarleton’s Gay-Straight Alliance which was also very informative and interesting. On day three, ODI organized a fun activity for students that shed light on maintaining finances in college and decision making when it comes to choose from things you need to spend on. On the last day, there was a discussion on religion and society and spoken work and oratorical contest. The panel on religion and society brought up some really intense conversations pointing everyone towards an opportunity to engage in future discussions on similar topics. The oratorical contest was held for the first time on Tarleton campus and was a huge success. The contest definitely brought forward really nice student speakers with immense talent. It was the last event of the week. 

All the events presented during the week were very thought provoking and enjoyed by all those who attended. I truly appreciate all the efforts made by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to promote diversity on our campus.

Somya Gupta, Multicultural Ambassador.

We hope that you will stop by the office (TSC # 21). Also, look for us on social media. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TarletonDiversityInclusion and read along with our journeys here on the blog:  http://tarletondiversityinclusion.blogspot.com/ 

You can also see our images on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarletondiversity/ 

Or follow us on Twitter: @DiversityTSU or email us directly at Diversity@Tarleton.edu  

Tarleton Round Up & Backpack Buddies: Multicultural Ambassadors volunteering!

This semester, we decided to attempt a semester of service. On April 6, we participated in Tarleton’s annual Round Up. During this event, students/organizations volunteer their Saturday to help out members of the community who asked for assistance—usually in the form of yard work, garage/workshop organizing, and other household tasks. This is my second year participating (I did Round Up last year with another organization), so I was really excited to get to work.

The first house we went to was quick; we raked some leaves and removed old, rotting wood from the backyard. However, the second house we went to took a lot more work to complete. We started by clearing and planting two flowerbeds at the front gate. After that, we cleaned all of the storm windows, screens, and hung them back up. Then we replaced some old wooden boards and painted the porch. It looked fantastic when we finished. The homeowner graciously provided us lemonade and sandwiches. They were delicious! So good, in fact, that I would venture to say they were better than when my mom makes me a sandwich (don’t tell her I said that!).

The following weekend, a few of us went to the Native and Heirloom Plant Fair at the Stephenville Museum to help with Cross Timbers Backpack Buddies, which is organized by Oakdale United Methodist Church in Stephenville. Backpack Buddies is a program that sends food home with hungry kids over the weekend—these kids only eat when they’re at school, but don’t really get to eat much at home. If I remember correctly, at least 77 children are fed by Cross Timbers Backpack Buddies. That’s 77 too many.

I learned how to identify quite a few plants at the plant fair. There were so many!  Unfortunately, the cacti seemed to love me. That’s right; I didn't have to go home alone with my sunburn. I got to bring home my very own cactus spines! Yay!

Sarcasm aside, I had a lot of fun helping out. I can’t wait for our next service project!

~ Multicultural Ambassador, Tiana

We hope that you will stop by the office (TSC # 21). Also, look for us on social media. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TarletonDiversityInclusion and read along with our journeys here on the blog:  http://tarletondiversityinclusion.blogspot.com/ 

You can also see our images on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarletondiversity/ 

Or follow us on Twitter: @DiversityTSU or email us directly at Diversity@Tarleton.edu  

Departure Day

This blog is a part of our cultural excursion to New Orleans. Read Multicultural Ambassador Summer's thoughts below.

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     Sadly, we had to  leave New Orleans around 7:30 this morning. I really enjoyed myself this week, and learned so much. I favorite experience was the cemetery tour. I thought it was interesting how the cemetery was laid out, and the number of well-known locals are buried there. Marie Laveau is one of my all-time favorite historic figures, so getting to visit her tomb site and learn about her was astounding.
     I just want to say thank you to everyone at Tarleton that made this trip possible. Everything I learned here will not soon be forgotten!

~ Summer K., Multicultural Ambassador

We hope that you will stop by the office (TSC # 21). Also, look for us on social media. Facebook :http://www.facebook.com/TarletonDiversityInclusion and read along with our journeys here on the blog: 

http://tarletondiversityinclusion.blogspot.com/ You can also see our images on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarletondiversity/. Or follow us on Twitter: @DiversityTSU or email us directly at Diversity@Tarleton.edu  

Reality sets in - the city's struggles

During the last days of our cultural excursion, many students began to reflect upon the city's non-toursim side, the realities of rebuilding, and life in a large city. Read along with Multicultural Ambassador Tiana as she comes to grips with the realities of the city and her thoughts on the "Katrina and Beyond" exhibit at the Presbytere in New Orleans. 

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It’s 3:50 PM. We walk around Jackson Square, pausing at both the Cabildo and the cathedral before we arrive at the Presbytere. The hours posted on the door confirm their closing time—4:30 PM. Admission is six dollars.

The first room is located opposite the cashier. It has flashing lights and video clips looping on large TV screens. My stomach flips. My heart stops. I’m…terrified? I pause.

“I can’t do this.”
I turn around.
“You OK?”
“I’m fine.”
I turn around again. The clips play over and over. Wind and rain-- pretty typical hurricane coverage.
Except it’s not.
Images of the Superdome appear on the screen. There must be thousands of people there.
I move to the next room—more videos.
I’m crying.
4:00 PM.
I regain my composure.
Next room.
There’s a replica of an attic. In front of it, a case holds a hatchet.
There’s audio. A woman is speaking.
I lose it.
4:05. 4:06. 4:07.
Breathe.
The next room is larger. TVs line the walls. In one corner, there’s a door marked “A.”
It is the entrance to a man’s diary, which he kept on his walls during the storm’s aftermath.
Days and days go by before he mentions the arrival of the Red Cross.
4:15.
Next room.
Interactive displays demonstrate how levees work.
4:17.
Kids’ room.
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My only relief comes from this street musician that I know as Wyatt. As we pass him he’s singing the blues and playing his guitar. I stand around listening to him for a while.
I would listen to him all night if I could. Luckily, he allowed me to record him as part of my music project.
I wish he had a CD I could purchase.
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I met a couple of other people on the streets as well. I know them as Gary and Dorothy. They are not street performers and are relatively new to the streets (2 weeks and 6 months, respectively).

Gary is from Texas and was trying to get a ride back home when I met him, while Dorothy (native to NOLA) and I shared a bench outside of Café du Monde. She was just trying to get a meal. I provided both of them with food for the night--Gary got my leftover seafood from a café we went to. I was able to get Dorothy some milk and beignets.
While I shared my food, they shared their lives. I won’t relate those stories here, but I will say that both of them were glad to finally have someone listening to them.
Forgive me for asking, but when did it become OK to just breeze by, acting like a greeting wasn’t given or a question wasn't asked? Are they not worthy of a smile? Must you have a home in order to be entitled to basic human interaction?
“They’re just junkies, the lot of them!”
“They just want money for booze.”
“They’re not really homeless. They have shelters and stuff.”
“Don’t talk to them, you might get sick. Or robbed.”
I wish I was making this up.

“Child, you must be honest, charitable, and show respect to all*.

*Except for the homeless.

~ Multicultural Ambassador, Tiana. 

We hope that you will stop by the office (TSC # 21). Also, look for us on social media. Facebook :http://www.facebook.com/TarletonDiversityInclusion and read along with our journeys here on the blog: 

http://tarletondiversityinclusion.blogspot.com/ You can also see our images on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarletondiversity/. Or follow us on Twitter: @DiversityTSU or email us directly at Diversity@Tarleton.edu  

Rebuilding the city

This blog continues our exploration of the city of New Orleans on our Spring Break Culture Excursion. 

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Wednesday March 13th, we had a tour of the city of New Orleans. We were able to see the neighborhoods where hurricane Katrina hit the hardest. As we continued driving, I noticed that there were people there still helping rebuild, it made me smile, knowing that people haven't  forgotten about this city. 

One of the things that I noticed was, how high the houses were lifted up off the ground. Houses being lifted up off the ground (raised) let's me know that if there's another hurricane the chance for massive water damage is lower than with Katrina. We finally came to a point where we met up with the levees. They were indeed very high. Throughout the city, all the levees were raised, if there ever is another chance for a massive hurricane and the water makes it over the levees, I believe the chances of the entire city being flooded is low.

~ Multicultural Ambassador, Terra T.

We hope that you will stop by the office (TSC # 21). Also, look for us on social media. Facebook :http://www.facebook.com/TarletonDiversityInclusion and read along with our journeys here on the blog: 

http://tarletondiversityinclusion.blogspot.com/ You can also see our images on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarletondiversity/. Or follow us on Twitter: @DiversityTSU or email us directly at Diversity@Tarleton.edu  

Bursting the French Quarter Bubble

This entry is part of our Culture Excursion trip to New Orleans. Read along with Multicultural Ambassador, Summer, as she reflects on our time exploring storm damage and recovery in the city.

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     On our final day in New Orleans, we did a driving tour through Musician's Villiage, the 9th Ward, and the 7th Ward. These were some of the areas that were hit the hardest by Katrina. Some of the houses in the Wards were re built completely, others only had the foundation raised, while most were still un-repaired or completely abandoned. Going past these houses, not knowing what I could do to help, was one of the most horrible feelings I've ever felt. These people had no way out when the levees broke. If they did have a way out, they were too elderly to leave on their own, or had family, friends, or pets that they didn't want to leave behind. I can honestly say that I would've done the same thing if I was in their shoes.
     Musician's Villiage was one of the brighter and more developed areas. These houses were built from the foundation up, painted with bright colors, and raised off of the ground. These houses were built to bring back the musicians. The idea was to bring the musicians back into New Orleans to lift the spirits of the remaining residents.
     We also stopped by lake Pontchartrain. This lake flooded the areas around it when Katrina hit, due to the storm surges. Dr. Helvie-Mason gave us the tour herself, and gave us plenty of information. It's hard to think of how many years have passed, and how little has been done for the area. It really makes you thankful for everything you've got in your life.
~ Summer K., Multicultural Ambassador

We hope that you will stop by the office (TSC # 21). Also, look for us on social media. Facebook :http://www.facebook.com/TarletonDiversityInclusion and read along with our journeys here on the blog: 

http://tarletondiversityinclusion.blogspot.com/ You can also see our images on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarletondiversity/. Or follow us on Twitter: @DiversityTSU or email us directly at Diversity@Tarleton.edu