Earlier this year I was able to attend of the the College of Engineering’s Inclusive Excellence Certificate Program’s events. While I am no longer in the College of Engineering this event was a great experience. I have always been very interested and involved in diversity and inclusion and when I received an invitation to attend this event I was very interested. This programs goal of championing diversity in the field of engineering was evident from the outset of the event. There were a few speakers at the beginning of the event from the college of engineering that prefaced the rest of the event and spoke of the importance of diversity in the field and to the university. They validated my beliefs and idea that diversity is incredibly important and can lead to incredible results for each individual, the university and the field as a whole. After the speakers concluded the introduction, the event then moved into a panel with three speakers and a moderator. The three speakers were from various fields, identities and had different but similar points to make. They continued the message of championing diversity within the College of Engineering but they also spoke to their own experiences working in their respective fields and advancing diversity. It was very interesting to hear how diversity and inclusion had affected these three individuals both personally and in their careers. Hearing how not only they acted to help others in their respective fields but also how diversity had affected them. It was very interesting to hear that they shared many sentiments that I myself had experienced.

Having spent two of my high school years in an environment lacking much diversity to speak of and then transferring to a very diverse high school it was very comforting to see that OSU would seek to emphasize a message of diversity and inclusion. I found that my time in the first high school was much less fulfilling. It seemed as if there was really only one path and we should all follow it. However my time at the second high school allowed me to grow as an individual tremendously as well as seeing the incredible benefits emphasizing diversity and inclusion can have. I was able to explore new avenues comfortably such as theater, GSA, the Diversity and Inclusion club and things like Youth in Government and Model UN. Further, I was able to be learn so much from others experiences. Hearing stories and learning how people of different cultures, identities and backgrounds view th world was also very beneficial. Again, seeing that OSU is making an effort to champion diversity and put an emphasis on inclusivity was very good to see. I know that there are many ways in which the University does so through the many diversity events held around campus and through programs such as this one and the Morril scholars. I am hopeful and excited to continue to get involved in activities and groups like these as I continue my time at Ohio State.