Students lined up on the second floor of the Howe Building on Wednesday, March 26 not only to swipe into Pierce but also to receive free journals from and learn more about Stevens new Diversity Initiative, Be More.
The student-led campaign presents diversity in a different light than you might be familiar with. Usually when we think of diversity, we think of racial and cultural diversity. And probably, if you didn’t hear anything about the campaign besides its title, you might even think that this is the type of diversity the campaign is looking to promote. Be More, however, promotes the idea that diversity goes beyond people’s races and backgrounds. It is also about people’s experiences.
Be More challenges students to, well, be more – to get out of their comfort zones and take in more of the many things the world has to offer (the world is a big place). Students then can reflect on those experiences and grow from them. At the event, free personal journals were distributed for students to write and reflect.
The journals were available in a variety of colors and sported the same engraved symbol on the covers: a calligraphy pen wrapped in a banner reading “Diversity Reflection”. Inside each journal is a list of open-ended questions for the owner, with topics such as personal goals, happiness, and inspiration. And a slip of paper tucked in the back pocket offers suggestions on “how to do more, be more”. Learning a stranger’s story, taking a course not required in your curriculum, and singing at Karaoke night are some examples.
The Be More event also had on display a large street art panel. Drawn on the panel were a scale and the question “What do you balance?” With chalk, students had written in their responses in the days leading up to the event and are continuing to do so. Students said they balanced “mind, body, spirit”, “honor, wellness”; and “family, friends, love, character”. These and other responses filled up the panel and there is not much empty space left.
The Stevens Diversity Initiative has other events scheduled later in the semester. On April 9th, as part of the Unity Freestyle Carnival, reflection will be emphasized using art this time. Students will be given the opportunity to use different mediums to make fun art pieces. Another event scheduled April 23th is a follow-up discussion hosted by Dr. Wharton and Professor Dobbins. By then, students will hopefully have filled a portion of their journals and have something to share about their new experiences.
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