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  

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