Understanding diversity begins with communication, president of Ball State's Black Student Association Morenike Aderiye said during the Unity Week panel discussion last night.
Although Aderiye said she is the only black woman in most of her classes, she said she doesn't look at the situation negatively.
"I still feel comfortable because I feel this is a great learning institution," she said. "Sometimes you have to get beyond the color situation ... and get to know all the students in your classes."
The discussion, sponsored by BSA and BSU Housing and Residence Life, allowed members of the audience to ask questions and share their stories.
The discussion focused on how comfortable students feel in their classes and housing.
Many students have had classroom experiences like Aderiye. However, vice president of the Latino Student Union Cat Zakrajsek said some students are more friendly than others.
"In some classes, people won't talk to you," she said. "They just won't say anything to you. Overall, I find most people are open to diversity."
As a resident assistant for Brayton's eighth floor, Zakrajsek said she tries to find hall programs that appeal to all the girls on her floor.
One evening, Zakrajsek said she was loudly playing some Latino music when a few of her residents asked her how to do some Latino dances.
Zakrajsek said she was happy to teach them about Latino music and dancing.
In February, she plans to teach her residents how to do some Latino dances during a hall activity. If the program is a hit, Zakrajsek said she's willing to open the dancing activity to all the floors.
"We are the teachers for everyone out there," she said. "I've gotten some really funny questions. The only thing we can do is be very honest with people."
When Spectrum representative Nikki Green is honest with her residence hall neighbors, she says the reactions aren't always welcoming.
"It was hard for me to be diversity chair in my hall," she said. "After they realized that I'm a lesbian, a lot of girls came up to me and said, 'I never want you in my room.'"
Green said she has lived on campus for three semesters and has had three different roommates.
"They've said it wasn't because I'm gay," she said, "but they've never told me why they've moved out either."
Green said she thinks poor communication is the root of the residence hall problems she's had. She said students should step out of their comfort zones and ask their questions politely to better communications.
Brayton/Clevenger Residence Hall Director Rob Engblom said everyone should have patience when trying to understand and talk with people of different backgrounds.
"It's the ability to have that grace to understand each other," he said. "At the same time, I have my own ignorances. I have things I have to learn about still. We have to be open to new experiences."
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