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Final Individual Paper

Final Individual Paper

Ashley E. Jones
Arkansas Tech University

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Final Individual Paper

One thing I have learned from this course is that it takes a unique person to work in
multicultural affairs. There are so many different types of groups: students with disabilities,
LGBT, non-traditional students, etc. In my earlier multicultural competency paper, I stated that I
would like to work at an HBCU (Historically Black College & University). In order to be a
successful Student Affairs professional, I estimated that I needed to posses the skills of
professionalism, patience, and empathy. Throughout the readings and discussions, I still feel that
these competencies will be very important. A professional needs to be able to relate to diverse
populations. Although I grew up in a traditional family, this course has opened my eyes to
different views.
As previously mentioned in my first paper, I would like to work at a Historically
Black College and University (HBCU) or with diversity programs. I want to start my career out
by being an academic advisor and ending up as a director of multicultural services. When dealing
with a diverse population, I have learned that awareness, understanding, and appreciation/valuing
will be very important. Awareness requires knowledge of self as it relates to ones cultural
identity, self reflection, and pride within ones own cultural group. Understanding is being
knowledgeable about issues of oppression and the effect it has on different cultural groups. It is
also the ability to see things from multiple perspectives and knowing discrimination due to ones
cultural status is unjust. Appreciation/Valuing requires knowledge about elements involoved in a
social change, ability to challenge acts of discrimination and being willing to take risks in life.
I would like to learn more about groups that I have never had any encounters. It is one
thing to read about different groups, but to actually work with them is a different experience.
There were some common traits among each group, with the most common being discrimination.
I would like to learn ways to get people to understand more about diversity and know we are all

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Final Individual Paper

alike in some way. There is a case study in the Multicultural Competence in Student Affairs
book. It speaks about orientation guides conducting a skit at orientation. They used exaggerated
stereotypes to get their point across about diversity, but students took offense to it. Although they
are accountable for their own actions, the Director of Student Life has to make sure things are
presented appropriately. I am interested in learning different tactics and skills that would be used
in tough situations.
Thus far, being a multicultural professional to me means being open minded. This is not
in relation to just different groups and cultures, but also to learning new ideas. The world is
constantly changing and we have to be open to change with it. Who knows? In 5-10 years, a
group that society has never identified may come to the forefront. It is going to be important to
know how to handle issues regarding them.
My perspective on diversity and multiculturalism has definitely been enhanced. I have
always been interested in this particular field, but after taking this class, my decision is solidified.
Our Skype call with Dr. Howard-Hamilton was very beneficial to me. When she spoke about
how as a African American woman, she still encounters racism in the workplace, spoke volumes
to me. No matter how many degrees a person may get, some people will never get past their skin
color/gender/disability etc. I was always aware of this but I have a better understanding that all
groups face some type of discrimination. This course has really opened my eyes to what being a
multicultural professional really means. You have to be ready for any and everything. I feel like
this course is going to be pivotal in my professional career.

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Final Individual Paper

REFERENCES
Cuyjet, M. J., Howard-Hamilton, M. F., & Cooper, D. L. (Eds.) (2011). Multiculturalism on
campus: Theory, models, and practices for understanding diversity and creating
inclusion. Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.

Pope, R.P., Reynolds, A.L., & Mueller, J.A., (2012). Multicultural Competence in Student
Affairs. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass