???From coast to coast, this country is a melting pot of different cultures and beliefs, with many students here at UB experiencing mixed customs for the first time.
???The Diversity Institute at UB not only allows participants to learn about the rest of the world, but also gives students the opportunity to learn about their own backgrounds and traditions.
???"I think the beauty of what happens here is the interaction and hearing all the stories," said Karen King, educational service coordinator for the Intercultural and Diversity Center.
???Storytelling is one of many aspects of the institute's multicultural sessions. Students also hear lecture points and then break into smaller groups to discuss background information about their own ethnicity and genealogy, as well as the sensitive issues of societal stereotypes and racial slurs.
???"UB students come over from 114 different countries and almost 5,000 come from outside New York State," King said. "University students have the opportunity to expose themselves to vastly different languages, cultures and perspectives."
???Students bring their experiences to the general forum and disclose their feelings openly on a wide range of topics, including family advice given at a young age, looking beyond their own ethnic background and examining the ideology of privilege. Participants come from first, third and fourth generation American families. There are also some who are visiting from other countries to study at UB.
???The institute studies the ties of cultural tradition socially and religiously. It examines how students view their own cultural perspective as well as the advantages that they receive in society.
???Students examine societal club privileges, as well as educational and female and male-oriented privileges.
???"Privilege impacts the level of education one receives, the quality of medical care, housing, transportation and more," King said. "Privilege has an enormous impact on one's life."
???According to King, diversity is a part of our educational experience and should include being enlightened and aware of social, political and cultural differences. The institute avails students, faculty and staff to be more enlightened in a collaborative learning experience.
???"We all have emotions and personal differences, that's what it means to be human," said James Meeks, a junior communication major. "Diversity is important to interact with different cultures."
???Meeks, from New York City, joined the Diversity Institute as an intern looking to expand his cultural lens. In New York, Meeks was involved with "City of Peace," a diversity theatrical group that does annual culturally themed performances.
???"The institute is a new discovery and I'm always learning," said Raymond Ken Ijichi, a junior business major. "There is something beautiful about humanity and if it's ever going to stand up, now's the time."
???The institute's certificate program's inception began in the fall of 2007. The programs were offered in the fall and spring, but as demand grew, the center expanded the program to be offered twice in a semester, according to King.
???At its inception the institute had 25 participants, but has since doubled in size. Part two of the program includes themes of oppression and power in cultures, how to have a courageous conversation and how students can creatively continue to challenge society's assumed classifications of gender and race.
???"We are still a country that's divided [and] it's a constant journey," King said.
???The journey continues on March 28 for part two of the Institute's certificate program. Students looking for more information can visit the program Web site, www.ub-diversity.buffalo.edu/institute, or stop by the Intercultural and Diversity Center office in 240 Student Union.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
