I
just finished reading a post on Diversity Abroad’s blog entitled “The Minority Advantage: The Benefits of
Being a Minority Abroad” By Antonio Reyes.
Hasta el Proximo Vez,
KoMiSa
The
four advantages that Antonio gives are as follows:
" First, minority students often discover that their uniqueness facilitates
conversation, creates curiosity, and attracts people."
"Second, minority students often find that they adapt quickly to their host
community because of their minority experience in the U.S. As a minority in the
U.S..."
"Third, you might be the only person from your minority group that people from
your host country will ever meet."
" Finally, as a minority student, you might find it easier to accept
different perspectives and be more open-minded about different cultures."
To
read the entire article click the following link: http://www.diversityabroad.com/article/study-abroad/the-minority-advantage-the-benefits-of-being-a-minority-abroad
Antonio’s
blog post got me thinking and of course I wanted to share my thoughts with you:
As
a minority from the United States who has studied abroad and has traveled
abroad numerous times I can relate to the advantages that Mr. Reyes discusses.
As a minority student/traveler there have been numerous times in which I was
the only person that looked like me in my classes, at the restaurants and bars
I went to, other social events that I participated in etc. rather than feeling
like an outsider or an other, I made it a point to just be Kory and embrace the
experience. It wasn’t about me being different but about me being me and fully
embracing the experience that was right in front of me.
I
have found that my uniqueness has definitely sparked conversation from my
classmates, professors, and general people in which I interacted with abroad.
There has been open curiosity from others, some of which was from ignorance due to limited
or no interaction with someone who looked like me, had my type of hair texture,
features etc. My attitude of just being me and embracing the experience has
yielded to many amazing experiences abroad. I am thankful to say that most of
my experiences with those who have never been around someone like me has been a
pleasant one. The experiences that were not as pleasant served as learning
tools and opportunities to increase my tolerance and increase my level of
compassion for others. (I can say that now even if I wasn’t thinking that then
;-))
While
in Mexico one person told me that she liked the people that came to visit and
study in her country with my skin tone because we seemed more open to learn
about her culture, language because they are very welcoming to see how she and
her people live. I was a bit surprised that she opened up to me and shared that
with me. I definitely was not expecting to hear anything like that. I could
tell that she meant what she said. That made me think that I was not only
representing myself but I was representing others too. I would hope that she
has better experiences with other individuals who do not look like me so that
she can have the same sentiments for others that she has for me and those that
look like me.
Often
times when those who have not had an experience with someone like me met and interact
with me whether for a short or an extended period of time walked a way with a
positive experience and a sense of some of our similarities and differences. The
similarities and differences gave those I met a spark and opportunity for the
person and I to learn more about each other, our cultures, languages etc. We often learned that we had many more
similarities than we may have initially thought. After all, if we take away or distinguishing features we are all people with blood
running through our veins. The same thing could be said when learning about
different people and cultures whether we are abroad or not.
Don't forget to check out Antonio's blog post “The Minority Advantage: The Benefits of Being a Minority Abroad"
Hasta el Proximo Vez,
KoMiSa
