"Define diversity" question ??

[jjr731]

Anyone else confused about how to answer this question: "Define diversity and give a personal example." As I am not from any kind of minority group, I'm not certain how I would have a "personal example" of "diversity". I have written several essays for other programs about the importance of diversity in healthcare/in general, and about how it should be promoted/celebrated, and I have had no problem writing those essays as this is something I am passionate about. I am just confused about the vagueness of the question and about what would qualify as a personal example. Again, I think this question is super important, but I just want to make sure I fully understand the prompt before answering. 

I appreciate your input.

Edited July 18, 2020 by jjr731

[KhaliaB]

It’s actually kind of an important question. You not realizing that is a problem and probably why a program like Wake decided to ask. I talked about my daughter coming home from school and telling  me she found a teacher who ‘looked like her’. I knew she meant black. I asked her if the teacher was nice and if she said ‘hello’. Then I asked what grade the teacher taught and my kid said, “Oh! She’s the teacher of the cafeteria” My kid was talking about the head cafeteria worker at her school. That was the only representation my kid had of someone who ‘looked like her.’ Think about that before you “LOL” the question, perhaps.

Edited July 18, 2020 by KhaliaB

[whatsPAppin]

15 minutes ago, jjr731 said:

Anyone else confused about how to answer this question: "Define diversity and give a personal example." Maybe it's just me but idk how I would have a "personal example" of "diversity". Seems kind of weird/abstract lol. 

I agree with @KhaliaB, this is most definitely an important question. And considering recent events i think some self reflection might be needed on this topic! Being able to understand diversity correlates to understanding different patients in the future. From your question above I think that you have experienced only one side of diversity and maybe try to place yourself in different situations like the one Khalia mentioned because it might help and give some clarify on the confusion.

[jjr731]

1 hour ago, KhaliaB said:

It’s actually kind of an important question. You not realizing that is a problem and probably why a program like Wake decided to ask. I talked about my daughter coming home from school and telling  me she found a teacher who ‘looked like her’. I knew she meant black. I asked her if the teacher was nice and if she said ‘hello’. Then I asked what grade the teacher taught and my kid said, “Oh! She’s the teacher of the cafeteria” My kid was talking about the head cafeteria worker at her school. That was the only representation my kid had of someone who ‘looked like her.’ Think about that before you “LOL” the question, perhaps.

Oh no, I'm very sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I wrote a very passionate essay about the importance of diversity for another program. I agree 100% with everything you're saying. Diversity is super important, and I appreciate you sharing a personal example. I just didn't know how to approach the "personal example" part and thought it was a bit vague. Like I have worked with a diverse population of patients and have found that to be a great experience, but I just thought the wording of the question was different. Again, I'm sorry about coming across as disrespectful/insensitive, please forgive me. 

Edited July 18, 2020 by jjr731

[jjr731]

1 hour ago, aaw0119 said:

I agree with @KhaliaB, this is most definitely an important question. And considering recent events i think some self reflection might be needed on this topic! Being able to understand diversity correlates to understanding different patients in the future. From your question above I think that you have experienced only one side of diversity and maybe try to place yourself in different situations like the one Khalia mentioned because it might help and give some clarify on the confusion.

Hello, I'm sorry for not making myself clear that what I was confused about had to do with the wording of the question. I've written several essays for other schools about the importance of diversity in healthcare, etc. and those were some of the essays I felt I wrote best because I completely agree that diversity is important, especially in healthcare. I just thought the wording of this prompt was different and kind of vague...maybe I'm overcomplicating it.