The diversity on the Buffalo State campus is something that will be beneficial to every
student who leaves this campus.
Every day, when you walk out of your dorm, or on your way to classes, the variety of
people you come across changes. Not only is Buffalo State College filled with students
from several races, there are also students who practice different religions, and those
from different cultures and backgrounds.
There are also a variety of opportunities for students and faculty to interact with one
another. Regardless of differences, it makes it easier for people to step out of things
they’re used to and form new relationships with new people.
Buffalo State also has several clubs that promote diversity like the International
Students Organization, Caribbean Students Organization and Black Active Minds.
These organizations hold events every semester to educate students about different
cultures and bring people together.
After college, many students will be pursuing careers in fields where they will encounter
people from different ethnic backgrounds. Being someone who has already made
friendships and partnerships with people from different walks of life will help others
around you know you are open to new things and new people.
As the only urban campus in the SUNY system, Buffalo State also has a distinctive
advantage over other campuses with access to art, culture and different communities.
The West Side, for example, has a diverse immigrant community and would be a unique
opportunity for any student to get involved with.
Coming from a high school that was also very diverse, I found it easier to make friends
with people who were not similar to me. You find that people you wouldn’t think would
share similar interests as you actually do.
Forming these relationships will allow you to learn about diverse cultures, and in time,
this will make it easier for people to stop being so inflexible to new ideas and beliefs.
Americans today are often very closed-minded people, and are unwilling to change.
People are frequently too concerned with what others will think if someone catches
you mingling with someone different from you. But if one person takes the initiative to
step out and talk to someone they are not used to interacting with, the chances that lay
ahead are endless.
Hopefully students here at Buffalo State will take full advantage of the opportunity
they have here by stepping out of their comfort zones and making new friendships
with people they are not used to seeing. By taking part in this simple task, they will be
opening their future to new experiences filled will a plethora of unique and electrifying
people.
Buffalo State students and faculty should take great pride in being able to call their
school one of the most diverse colleges in the area.
Shanique Strodder can be reached by email at strodder.record@live.com.