I recently joined the Diversity Leadership Institute along with [Women's Center Interns] Krysten and Dominique. So far, we've had two meetings on Sunday night, where we meet with about 6 other students to discuss issues of race, race perception and other related topics. This past week was especially interesting. Paula [Lima-Jones, Director in the Office of Diversity Initiatives] had us look at different photographs of people and determine which race they belonged to. None of us wanted to do this, of course. It seemed so terrible to have to tell people which race we thought a certain person was, so judgmental--and it was. But that was the point--to get over our misconceptions and judgment of others. Most people do this sort of thing in their head when they meet someone, not out of choice but almost like a reflex or a habit. This exercise really showed us the hidden prejudice within all of us. It was very eye-opening and intimidating.

Why do we hate to admit out loud what we think privately? Out of guilt? Because we know it's wrong? Because deep down inside, we hate that we do it. Yet judging someone based on their appearance is so common and expected in this world. Why do we allow social constructions to influence our own perceptions?

These were some of the questions I found myself asking after I left. We also talked about the difference between how people see us and how we see ourselves, regarding race. For me, because of my white skin and disposition, I think most people would see me as Caucasian. However, while doing this exercise, I realized that I view myself as Ukrainian-American, because I am 3/4 Ukrainian and my family practices many of the same traditions of that heritage and background.

The DLI is really helping me step outside the boundaries of my own definitions as well as my preconceived definitions or ideas of others. I'm really excited to see what next week brings!

 ~Kristyn Pankiw
Class of 2014, German and Women's and Gender Studies