#7 Diversity

Last week was diversity week on my campus. It was very interesting, because for a few days, I got the opportunity to step outside my own skin an experience something new. Now when people say diversity, I will admit that the first thing that pops into my head is racial diversity. Through living on campus and having the pleasure of being a part of Residence Life, I have slowly had my eyes opened. This week, my campus put on diversity week and I must say I am very very proud of them because they didn't have to. I'm so glad they are making everyone feel welcome.
First up was Boxes and Walls. It was an incredible experience, that really cannot be described without going through it. I had the pleasure of learning about all sorts of religious faiths, some that I did not even know existed. I mean we all, regardless of our spiritual background, know the big 3: Christianity, Islam and Judaism. But there are a lot more that don't get as much press like: the Baha'i Faith, Zoroastrianism, and Wicca. I experienced the Islamic prayer known as Salat. Besides religious diversity, the exhibit also had parts about homelessness, socioeconomic differences as well as hate crimes against people of different sexual orientations. I was really glad I had the good fortune to be a part of this, because I felt like there was so much to learn.
Besides Boxes and Walls, we also had our first university sponsored drag show. It was quite amazing, and had a really good turn out. Here are some highlights: Dominique Cass, Kenya Love, Keira Springs. The show was quite fabulous and I'm glad that so many people showed up. Step out of your skin this week, experience diversity. Don't stifle it. If we were all the same, it would be soo boring.

#6- Going Green.

Recently, I purchased a Diva Cup. I love, love, love it! If the first thing you think is ew...grow up. Really. I purchased the Diva because I was interested in finding an alternative to tampons. After doing a little research on it, I began to think about all the tampons that I had used and what happened to them after I was...*ahem* done. Because the Diva is guaranteed for at least 5 years (I have found testimonials of women who use it beyond then), that's 5 years of no tampons. After going green in that aspect, I have decided to figure out other ways to change my lifestyle.

Here are a couple of things I 've learned. (A lot of these have probably been used before)

1. Reduce how many times you eat out. Think about all the trash you accumulate for going out for ice cream? For burgers? Today, while I was waiting on the bus, I saw 4 people holding those paper coffee cups which will wind up in the trash as soon as they are done, and one guy had a giant slurpee cup. All of that trash? I'm not sure on biodegradability, but something tells me that all those containers will be around for a while. Plus you'll be saving yourself a lot of money by just getting your foodstuffs from the grocery, and buying reusable cups.

2. Stop drinking Soda and bottled water. Again, it's waste issue. Think about all that plastic that accumulates from drinking sodas? If at all necessary, use a reusable cup in a cafeteria setting.

3. Reduce your intake of red meats, fish and pork. I'm not saying go vegetarian (though it is healthier for you), but still it take a lot of our resources to raise these animals to feed everyone. Eat more vegetables, it's good for you and you are helping the environment.

4. Buy local. The less gas and transportation your food needs the better for the environment.

5. Walk. If it's within walking distance, why drive/ take the bus? Riding your bike or walking will help you get into shape an burn off excess calories. This includes walking up stairs, because using the elevator burns energy that could be saved. Think about all the weight you'll lose?

This is definitely a work in progress. Just looking around my room, I can see a ton of office paper that need recycling. I'm still trying to do with empty nontraditional bottles (like nyquil and lotion bottles). But am working on it. Help save our planet!!