College is a whole new world. Most enter as eighteen-years-old, new to this whole “adult” thing. For many, this is the first time away from parents, being on their own, and being exposed to a multitude of viewpoints and opinions that are very different from their own. It can be hard to understand and grasp other people’s perspectives, especially when you have been taught your whole life that this one way is the way to believe and see the world. This can cause a lot of cognitive dissonance. You go into this new environment believing one way, then someone challenges that belief. It doesn’t align with your current beliefs, but it might make sense. You could even believe it. However, for most, this causes a mental discomfort known as cognitive dissonance. College is about finding who you truly are as a person, including your beliefs and values, apart from your parents and what they believe. This can be challenging, even overwhelming. It can cause people to be defensive or stop listening, because what the other person is saying does not confirm their pre-existing beliefs.
What should you do in a very diverse environment like a college campus?
The first step is to listen. No matter what you think, or how “out there” you believe the other person’s views are, just listen. Do not judge, simply listen with an open mind. You may actually find that they shed new light on something you did not know, or you may end up adapting your own views a bit. Regardless, respect the other individual as a human being, and listen.
The next step is to be inclusive. We do not grow as human beings if we do not step out of our own bubble that is our comfort zone. If we only surround ourselves with people who think like we do, we are never challenged. If we are never challenged, we cannot grow in knowledge or as an individual. Invite those into a group project that will challenge you and offer a different view point. Engage with someone at the dining hall who you do not normally talk to, and welcome them.
The last step is to be honest. This means being honest to yourself and your peers. It is okay to admit that someone has changed your opinion. It is okay to admit to yourself that, after being exposed to diversity, you think differently than your family and close friends. We are, as human beings, supposed to grow and change.
We can make this world and our communities a better place simply through kindness, honesty, inclusivity, listening, and respecting others. This is not difficult, just something we can all work on. Today is never too late to start, so embrace the differences and learn all you can! College is a wonderful place to have all perspectives laid out before you and to find who you really are and what you believe.
コメント