Diversity is valuable tool that can be used to solve problems, teach lessons
COMMENTARY
J.L. Hernandez

I truly believe people are our greatest resource. As members of a global community, we must learn from one another. Understanding each other’s cultural, religious and social differences increases our ability to think globally and act responsibly. It allows us to respect others and communicate more efficiently.

TCU’s mission statement encourages us to be ethical leaders and responsible citizens in a global community. The question is, what does it take to be a member of a global community? A member of a global community is a leader with a global vision. A member of a global community is a leader that treasures diversity, values mutual respect and takes advantage of the opportunities to learn from other people’s differences.

Diversity is present everywhere. Each one of us is a unique individual with diverse ideas and beliefs. Diversity represents the simple choices people make: Some choose to be Democrats while others choose to be Republicans. Some have tattoos, others do not. In other words, diversity is the means through which we express our individuality.

Diversity can be a powerful learning tool. It can help us understand and accept different points of view. As we learn to accept different perspectives, we reaffirm our own ideas and become more aware of the world around us. This is what the college years are for, to learn about who we are and form our own ideas.

Diversity is not just about differences, it is about supporting each other’s ideas and working together to achieve goals.

In today’s global society, diversity is an important part of our way of life. Every day we come into contact with different people and ideas. Studying abroad and exploring academic areas such as languages, international relations, world history and world religion should expand our horizons and prepare us to become the future leaders of our global community.

The admissions department should be commended for continuing to adopt recruitment programs and marketing campaigns aimed at increasing the applications and enrollment of students from diverse backgrounds. Just to give an example, imagine a political science class with classmates from different backgrounds, religions and nationalities. Wouldn’t it make class discussions much more interesting and exciting? Interacting with a diverse student body enriches our educational experiences.

I am proud to be a student of a university that treasures diversity. TCU has students representing 48 states and more than 70 countries. We should all take advantage of the opportunities to learn from one another. When you make an effort to learn from each other’s differences and engage in intellectual conversations about culture, political ideas and religion, you will find answers, but more than that, you will build bridges. You will come together and experience diversity as a medium for our personal development. After all, people are our greatest resource. We must learn from one another. This is another way we can learn to change the world.

Guest columnist Jose Luis Hernandez is a freshman music major from Reynosa, Mexico.