Diversity Event

"Buy black" and "support your race" are a few statements the speaker told the audience during the "Our Black Year In America's Racially Divided Economy" presentation. I learned a few things about the speaker and how she precieves the economy.

The speaker started out by telling everyone that this topic was not racist. I felt uncomfortable during the whole presentation because the information given and her opinion seemed like reverse racism to me. I liked the idea of helping build up the African American Communities but she would bring up slavery during her presentation which had nothing to do with her topic.

The speaker and her family only bought from African American owned business for one year. She talked about the sacrifices the family had to make during that year. She also talked about how other races support their own race by shopping at a business owned by a member of the same race. I believe that the races support each other because the businesses are in their communities are usually owned by the same race that lives there. One should not shop at places due to race, just like one should not hire others due to race. The speaker also stated that races hire their own and since African Americans do not own very many business that is why so many are unemployed but she did not mention anything about Affirmative Action.

The speaker made a some valid points. I also really respect her for trying to make a difference in the world but she made the presentation uncomfortable and she lied to the audience. I would not attend a presentation by her again.        

Growth and Learning

I knew coming into college that I was going to be learning a lot of knew information but I did not really expect to learn some much out of the classroom. There is a lot of information to learn here at Iowa State! Information ranges from things learned in the classroom to social information and traditions.

My first week at Iowa State was terrifying to me, especially the first day. After my parents left, I had know idea what to do with myself. My roommate was in marching and so she was never around. I made friends with people on my floor. Destination Iowa State also helped me meet people and I learned a lot about this school.

As the weeks went on, I have made new friends and learned the ways of this college. I have also learned a thing or two in my classes. I feel that my experiences so far have really a loud me to open up more and explore my options for the future. When I returned for Thanksgiving break, I could tell that I have changed since I arrived in August. While hanging out with my friends during break that attend other colleges, I noticed how they have change and it also helped me see how I have changed too.

A semester has not yet gone by but yet I do not feel like the same person I was from a few months ago. I have learned a lot so far at this university and I have three and a half semester to grow and learn a lot more information.    

Hixson

What does Hixson award mean to me? The award gives so may opportunities that I may not have had or known about otherwise.

 The award gave me the chance to attend Iowa State. I would not have been able to afford to go to Iowa State for four years without this award. I also receive assistant if needed from this award, like a tutor. To keep me on track, I also have Kaylene and Dane (peer mentors) and Alli, Debra, or Chelsea (leaders).

I have meet so many people through the Hixson program! I have peer mentors, a section of individuals, and a large lecture class. The award helps me network with other people I may have not met otherwise. The Hixson program also hosts events so we can all have fun while getting to know each other like the Hixson retreat or painting pumpkins.

During the lectures, speakers come in and talk to the class about the university and the options for the future. The speakers have helped me understand the resources I have and how I can plan for the future.

I truly feel that the Hixson award is trying to help me become the best I can be while at Iowa State and for the future. The award means opportunities to me and so far it has helped me see just how many I actually have!