Campus Life Hosts Diversity Event Jan. 31:
ASHLEY BIUNDO SPORTS EDITOR:
Campus life hosted the “Keeping it Real” diversity event from 2 to 4 p.m. in BA 105 on Thursday, Jan. 31. Every semester Campus Life plans unique diversity events – this time, it was a game – Keep It Real. The game engages people to help get out of their comfort zones and ask questions they never really thought about, said Amber Grant, orientation transition coordinator. “We do this event every semester to have a focus on diversity and get students the opportunity to meet each other,” she said. Keep It Real is designed to bring comfort to the community and open minds to new things, said Grant. “It’s important for students to feel like they are a part of a community that is open to who they are as a person and it also helps students engage in that type of purpose,” she said. The dice game features spaces that are labeled: Personal, The World, Reflection, Fantasy, Action, Diverse, Interaction/ Communication and Challenge Cards. “[Keep It Real] is a platform for discussions. Like some of the questions in this game, you wouldn’t ask outside of the game, sometimes you would only find these questions on social media,” said Martin Oyalo, first year accounting student. Student Spencer Wilson, said the game can relieve stress. He also said that he appreciates that the Meramec community is diverse. “I feel it is very diverse. I meet a lot of new people every single day,” he said. Diane Kaver, career specialist in the Career Development Department said that she has also noticed strong diversity in the student population. “The college does has a strong dedication and creates that type of environment where diversity is important and letting everyone know that is something that they are willing to shine light on,” said Grant. Keep It Real also helps students and faculty express themselves, she said. “You want to feel like you can connect to the place that you’re going to be at for the next couple years, or semester,” said Grant. “You want to feel like that place invites you to be who you are. As a focus on diversity, and my take is we have to think about the people who we have on campus and provide outlets to feel comfortable.”
