Diversity and Difference

Transcript

Let’s meet Nailah, a sophomore from Queens, New York, currently studying for an associate degree in liberal studies, with an eye toward business. Nailah unexpectedly, but pleasantly, discovered a world of diversity and difference in the mountains of Vermont when she came to Landmark, where she helped shape programming at the Centers for Diversity and Inclusion. Tell us more, Nailah.

– Thanks so much, Alex. Hey, guys. I came to Landmark College because I wanted to give myself a chance to accept help from people who work with and understand students with ADHD and dyslexia just like me. Coming from a huge diverse city, I’ll admit I was scared of attending a rural campus. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like being in the middle of the woods. More importantly, I wasn’t sure if I was going to meet people who looked like me. Right after I was accepted, I connected with the director for the Center for Diversity and Inclusion and a couple of other students of color. We felt immediately welcomed. I just thought this guy made me feel not so scared to attend. I knew that I had somebody in my corner. I now work for the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, which includes the Rise Up Center, the Center for Women and Gender, the Stonewall Center, and the Pa’lante Center. I help create programming and I’m being mentored by an alumni who was also in my shoes. I hope to become a mentor myself in the future. I’m also involved with Voices TV, our student run TV station. I do a segment called Geek News, which is about science, tech, pop culture, and fun facts. And I love working behind the scenes as a technical director editing videos and posting to our social media channels. The faculty here are on your side and they’ll support you in your academic goals. It’s okay to put yourself out there and get involved, even if you’re scared. Back to you, Alex.

– Thanks for your inspiring story, Nailah. The business world will benefit from your leadership, spirit of creativity, and attitude of inclusiveness. Speaking of business, another unique offering here is LEAP. The Landmark Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program, which empowers students to harness their creativity and make their career aspirations reality.