“Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” by Carly H. — Western Washington University, Environmental Science

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Growing up as a person of color in my roughly eighty-five percent white hometown, I
have always been particularly attuned to the racial divide that surrounds me. My life experiences
have made me acutely aware of the need for inclusivity and support for minority groups, and
from this I have cultivated a long-held dedication to do what I can to provide healing and support
for people like me.

In 2017, I began volunteering with a nonprofit organization to contribute to the support
network for refugee families and help them adjust to life in America. I wanted to help bridge the
gap between new citizens and already-established communities in my city and create an
environment both welcoming and livable. To help familiarize refugees with local culture, my
family and I have assisted in organizing events with other volunteers and hosted refugee families
at our house on numerous occasions.

Working to end discrimination against historically marginalized communities has long
been a personal endeavor of mine. In addition to all the life-changing encounters I have had the
fortune to experience through my time with refugees, I have come to see that the positive impact
of my work is no small thing. As a member of more than one minority group, I have an intimate
understanding of the kinds of microaggressions and outright prejudice that people of these
communities have faced and continue to experience. I know how it can wear one down over
time, especially without the understanding and support of others, and I know that I will always
strive to be a source of encouragement and support.

For me, the next step in my journey for equity and inclusion has led me to secure an
Inclusion Assistant position at my university, where I will be in a unique position to connect with
students with whom I have common background experiences. From that vantage, I can further
facilitate the inclusive support network that is vital to the well-being of these communities. It is
important for me to also take a proactive stance on keeping up engagement and interaction with
campus and community-wide connections, because inclusion is by nature a practice that requires
constant action. I know the struggles people like me can face in feeling a part of the wider
campus community, and my commitment to supporting my fellow students will only grow
stronger as I make more connections and find compelling ways to bring people together in a safe
and genuinely welcoming environment.