Inspired by my peers

Diversity discussions send chills down my spine. As an orientation leader at CU, I have facilitated discussions that have left me shaken and disturbed. Looking at the orientation agenda, the title "A Conversation About Our Differences" had me recalling unpleasant moments.

While I worried about the comments that could be made, the misunderstandings that would arise and the feelings that would be hurt during the session, I failed to consider the makeup of this Chipster 2007 class. We are all students of color and, most importantly, we are all journalists with a sense of curiosity and respect for different perspectives and experiences.

Facilitator Keith Woods said an exchange between Aerial McCall and Ivy Farguheson encapsulated the range of racial and ethnic relationships in the newsroom. The exchange proved my fears with this group were unfounded.

Aerial's mature interpretation of Ivy's explanation of the difference between African-American, Black and Latina illustrated a racial discussion gone right. Even though both of them had different perspectives, their willingness to accept one another's ideas and grow turned what could be a tense situation into a learning experience.

I was proud of them and of the Chipsters who so honestly shared their experiences. I feel humbled to be your classmate, and I am inspired by your integrity.

-- Gabriela Resto-Montero, University of Colorado, The Salinas Californian