Campus Diversity Art Show!

Empathizing with shelter needs: Reflections on a night out #NHHAW

The following post is from MENtal Freedom member Spencer. Read more about MENtal Freedom and other Diversity & Inclusion programs at www.tarleton.edu/diversity

As the Night Out began I had not yet began to realize what the night would have in store for me. I spent the night working and participating in activities in order to build up enough tickets to purchase food and drink items. After the day I had gone through I was exhausted. I had been on my feet all day participating in many different events that were being held on campus. The thought of sleep soothed me and I looked forward to the moment I could close my eyes. However that moment came and went and I never did find that soothing rest I was so looking forward to. It wasn’t until I laid down on the ground that things began to become real. Unfortunately because of where I decided to leave my blanket and pillow, they were significantly wet with moisture. Additionally the dew on the grass seeped through my blanket adding to my discomfort. Eventually I went in search of a cardboard box to put under me in hopes that it would keep the water from seeping into my blanket.  Despite the large amount of boxes that were made available they had all been claimed by others sharing my dilemma. Eventually I began to ponder how difficult it must be to find boxes in the real world. Laying there I noticed my inability to control the noise and light levels around me and I longed for a dark bedroom with a closed door. Again I made the connection that homeless people must put up with unwanted external stimuli simply because they have no other option.

               Upon waking the first thing I thought of was how I would go about my morning if I truly had nowhere to go. I couldn’t fathom waking up after an uncomfortable, cold nights sleep and continuing the struggle for survival. I couldn’t imagine having to walk across town in search of a job, and certainly was in no condition to be going through an interview process. I couldn’t have helped myself if I wanted to. It really made me realize just how difficult it would be to be homeless and taught me to have more compassion towards those that are in that situation. After this experience I will be less quick to judge the homeless, and act more quickly to help them, help themselves. 

  ~ Spencer, MENtal Freedom

  Help those who face hunger and shelter needs in our society. Donate boxed or canned food items all this week in TSC 21.

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 

Preparing for a night out: Shelter needs become a reality. #NHHAW

The following post is from MENtal Freedom member Spencer. Read more about MENtal Freedom and other Diversity & Inclusion programs at www.tarleton.edu/diversity

As Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week approaches I begin to ponder what it would mean to be homeless. I walk through my apartment and I take note of all the things I depend on in order for me to be successful. I begin to realize how much my success depends on my ability to be prepared for certain events like job interviews, and classes. Without a bathroom, where would I shower? How could I be clean and presentable for events such as these without a dependable shower? I then contemplate which pocket I would elect to be my soap carrying pocket. I look at my alarm clock and recall an instance where I was late to class because the electricity got shut off at my apartment and I didn’t wake up for class. I am sure that would be late to every appointment without that clock. Then again, I doubt that I would want to sleep in at all if I was sleeping on a Heritage Park bench. After contemplating life without only a few of the things I take for granted every day, I begin to realize how difficult my life would become without a place to call my own. As I make this realization I think back to the times I felt no sorrow for a homeless man I saw in Austin, Texas. “Get a job, bum” is what I thought to myself. Looking back I didn’t realize just how difficult that may have been for that person. It is quite easy for me; sure, I have access to clean clothes, a computer to generate a resume on, and a kitchen I can cook food, all to ensure my success. Obviously I have taken these things for granted and undervalued the importance these basic necessities are to my life.

 ~ Spencer, MENtal Freedom

 Sign up to attend the night out, on November 16 7pm to November 17 at 7am by filling out this brief form (organizations and groups welcome!) http://tinyurl.com/hungerandhomeless. Attendees MUST be current Tarleton students and bring their ID. Everyone should bring a warm blanket (or rent a sleeping bag at Rec Services). 

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 

Hunger and Homelessness Night Out event

The following post is from Multicultural Ambassador and Bold member, X. Read more about these programs at www.tarleton.edu/diversity

The last few weeks have been exciting and long. Even though I am not excited about the cold weather that will come during the night out, I am excited about the experience. This event is really dear to me because I remember my granddad taking me around downtown Dallas and me seeing all the homeless people and wondering why they were homeless. I still remember the day when some MSL members and I were at the football game and we were wondering why people were sleeping in tents at the intramural fields. I thought it was social work because I had remembered a year before that they were doing homeless awareness. Then I had a GREAT idea! I suggested to MSL that we should do a camp out for hunger and homeless awareness and let’s just say they all thought my idea was stupid and there was a huge argument. Even though I was not a part of the Diversity and Inclusion idea/process the first year, it is great to see this actually happening and succeeding on our campus. I am also excited about the Hunger Games twist that Diana and I created for this year’s night out. I know it will be a fun time, if I have to die for it!!! J

~ X, Multicultural Ambassador and Bold member

Sign up to attend the night out, on November 16 7pm to November 17 at 7am by filling out this brief form (organizations and groups welcome!) http://tinyurl.com/hungerandhomeless. Attendees MUST be current Tarleton students and bring their ID. Everyone should bring a warm blanket (or rent a sleeping bag at Rec services for $2). 

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  

Impacted by the Cultural Excursion

So the day started out pretty nice, the weather was pretty and the air was a bit crisp- Which for Texas really means something. Our group of Multicultural Ambassadors departed around mid-morning and arrived at the Soup Kitchen fairly early. We began to work around noon and I had forgotten to eat lunch, and breakfast. The thing that struck me was, after working with my hands in that hall, I forgot I was hungry. In fact, I became extremely motivated to work at something far more important than myself. Many of the items donated to the soup kitchen had been in poor condition, some liquids had spilled, many of the packages of toys had come open, and bugs- yes, even roaches were prevalent. I didn't care a single bit, I didn't even wear gloves. I did my best to wrap up the toys in their boxes, and contain any food that was still in decent quality. 

What really struck me were the toys though, and I thought about my mother who also grew up by meager means. My mother grew up in a family of 7 children and she was the youngest. She would receive all of the hand-me-downs, this family's children would share a single piece of gum for weeks because they didn't have anything else. Every toy I touched I thought about my mother growing up in those conditions, and how happy she would of been if she would of had something like this, or even anything to play with. I felt so focused and determined to help families like that. I felt some strange connection to people I have never met and never will meet, and I'm glad they will never know I did something to help them. There's a certain innocence and even modesty to helping others without them ever knowing you did it. It's as though the deed was done from a place inside of heart that doesn't require something to be given back, like a certain place in the heart that was only meant to give. It's like stretching a muscle that needs to be stretched every once in a while, or taking in that deep breath of air- first step outside on a clear day. It felt good to work through hunger and sweat and even dirt to aid others. It was a privilege to go. 

~ Macklin, 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  

Tarrant Area Food Bank (TAFB) Experience

Volunteering at the Tarrant Area Food Bank was a great opportunity. I’m thankful that I could be a blessing to someone else. Being in the warehouse brought memories back from my childhood; I know what it’s like to be hungry and to stand in long lines to get free food and clothes. I’m thankful that I’m fortunate enough to be on the other side of the fence and give back to those who gave to my family and I, this was a very humbling experience for me. I’m glad that grocery stores, retail stores and some people aren't being wasteful with the extra items that they can’t use and are willing to give to local food banks that can distribute to those in need.

~ Terra T., 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  

Tarrant Area Food Bank - Multicultural Ambassadors volunteer!

I was a little excited and apprehensive about volunteering at the Tarrant County Food Bank. I had never volunteered at a food bank; but I had volunteered at a place where they prepare boxes of food for people and give them away. Once I got there I was overwhelmed with the amount of food and people helping. It was great to see all of the willing to come out on a Saturday and pay it forward. Once we got in the motion of volunteering, it felt so good. I was a little concerned about the quality of the food; but I am slightly germ-phobic. It was still a good experience. It's crazy to see how much food that stores throw away and I am so grateful for places like that to pull out the good stuff and give back to the  community. I felt closer to my peers especially when we all discovered our musical talent. I'd do it again!

Xandrea, 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  

Upward Bound Experience

The following blog entry is from Jericha, a Multicultural Ambassador with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion after leading an activity about diversity and inequities in our society.

Upward Bound Experience

            We hosted a Culture Walk for the Tarleton Upward Bound students. I am VERY EXCITED so far and happy I got to meet so many new people! To start off with the program we broke into groups and the students played Bingo! It was cool because they had to interact with everyone in order to fill the cards. It really seemed like the students enjoyed the Bingo because they were able to learn new things about the people they have been spending so much time with.

                Next we did the Line of Equity. I really liked this activity because when we practiced it I was a little conflicted. I was not really sure what my position was representing but after discussing it I was able to see what I have gained from the activity.

               The students participated well and listened intently. Once every one took their positions we discussed how it made them feel. Some were confused as to why there was such a big difference in the group, and after discussing they realized that this activity reflects our society, being that there is a top, middle, and bottom. We tired to explain that being in the front does not make you "winner" and being in the back does not make you a 'loser.' I think the students really enjoyed this activity and will take away an appreciation for the diversity that surrounds us.

                 Towards the end we had some extra time so as a group we talked about where we are from and what interests us. This was great because it yet again gave us a chance to see how diverse our group was, and how we are all here in peace. We tired to express that everyone can be comfortable here which I think is very important so that that may take as much away from this activity as they can. I really enjoyed working with these students, my colleagues, and I look forward to even more great things to come!

~ Jericha H., 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  

Being a Multicultural Ambassador

The following blog entry is from Tiana, a Multicultural Ambassador with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion after leading an activity about diversity and inequities in our society.

I did it again…I stepped out of my comfort zone.

We got to work with Upward Bound students today. I've never felt more confident in my abilities as a group leader. Even with all of the mistakes I made—forgetting the sign-in sheet [(seriously? I’m certain that was covered in Event Hosting 101) (I didn't take Event Hosting 101) (Event Hosting 101 isn't really a class) (It might be)], messing up Diversity Bingo (how does one even do that?), nearly neglecting to mention relevant statistics during the Diversity Walk (which, by the way, is a great activity to get students talking)—I think I was successful. The students were engaged, excited, and eager to ask questions and share their thoughts.

I want to do it again.

I want to talk to students again. I want to teach them and I want to learn from them.

I want to tell them how wonderful it is to be a Multicultural Ambassador at Tarleton State University.

Multicultural Ambassadors preparing for our activity

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 Walk with Upward Bound Students

The following blog entry is from Terra, a Multicutltural Ambassador and Intern with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion after leading an activity about diversity and inequities in our society.

Diversity Walk

Dr. Lora Helvie-Mason came to me with an opportunity to lead a group of Upward Bound Students in a “Diversity Walk” activity. I was ecstatic. This was an opportunity to which I couldn't say no. Dr. Lora told me to gather up a group of interested Multicultural Ambassadors (M.A.) to help me co-facilitate the “Diversity Walk”. The “Diversity Walk” included an ice breaker (Diversity Bingo) and an activity called Line of Inequity, in which the students had to form a straight line shoulder to shoulder, taking a step forward or backwards whenever the question that was being asked applied to them. Our goal (M.A) was to get the Upward Bound students to think about power, class, education, socioeconomic status and understand what it means to be privileged.

The students gave us their undivided attention, they were very respectful to themselves and others, and they participated in the activities and voluntarily shared their thoughts and opinions about the activities and their personal experiences. The feedback that we received was remarkable. The instructor Frank stated in a thank you card, "It was very powerful!!" referring to the workshop. The workshop would not have gone as planned if I didn't have my co-facilitators assisting me. Thank you Multicultural Ambassadors and Upward Bound students for your participation and an amazing time. Thank you again Dr. Lora for the opportunity.

~ Multicultural Ambassador, Terra T.

Leading our activity (Multicultural Ambassadors Sean G. & Terra T.)

Activity groups

Leading a group (Multicultural Ambassadors Sean M. & Sara B.)

Giving instructions (Multicultural Ambassadors Chelsea G. & Jericha H.) 

Asking questions (Multicultural Ambassadors Prateek M. & Tiana B.)

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  

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