From the Desk of Diversity
Office of Diversity & Inclusion
Special Issue: April 2017 Graduate Spotlight
Celia McDougle
Working as a Diversity Scholar allowed me to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually. I loved learning how to better incorporate my faith into the lens from which I view the world, and more importantly how to accomplish that in a spirit of love. I am so grateful to the faculty, staff, and students involved in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for helping me enrich my character, increase my knowledge, and foster mindfulness as I enter in to the beloved profession of chiropractic.
In gratitude.
Dr. Celia McDougle, DC
[Psalm 90:17]
Beau Foshee
My entire experience at NWHSU was shaped by my application to become a diversity scholar on matriculation. I wrote a powerful essay, got my references all in order, polished my shoes, and sat for the interview. And I did not win. Dr. Alejandra Dashe’s email following my interview invited me to become active on campus, join student senate, or lead a cultural club on campus. She also invited me to apply for the diversity leadership scholarship after my first year. I did, and I was awarded the scholarship. My service and leadership in the university were a simple aligning of my personal interests and values with the needs of my fellow students and our greater community. My years as a scholarship recipient gave me a platform to seek university endorsement for my projects without the burden of club or organization sponsorship. I was the captain for a Minnesota AIDS Walk team for two years. I collaborated to host an anti-violence against women campaign for two years. Our group of scholars was invited to a YWCA It’s Time to Talk Forum where I attended twice before training to become a racial justice facilitator. These connections were made directly as a result of my inclusion among those serving the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
I was not an applicant who walked away from service when I did not win the first round. Many of the scholars whose work most motivated me were recognized as diversity leadership scholars after the first year. Just like me. I was encouraged to increase my capacity for good work and went on to serve as the student body president when I had no interest at all in student government until I followed the advice of Dr. Dashe. I applied to become a Philanthropy Fund Scholar where I was honored with two awards and also was recognized as a Minnesota Campus Compact President’s Student Leadership Award. I write about these awards and service because I really intended to just come to school and graduate as a chiropractor as quickly as possible. This is simply not what happened. I have found myself with a different vision than when I arrived. My career trajectory has been altered due to this inclination toward service that has also manifested diversity and inclusion work at the national level.
I am grateful to the university for their investment in me and the health of my future patients. The generosity of mentorship and scholarship funds has been profound. I have met incredibly talented students whose interests are different from mine but whose capacity for leadership encouraged me to serve alongside them. Thank you.
Dr. William K. “Beau” Foshee, DC
Diversity Leadership Scholar
Bao Xiong
My name is Bao Xiong and I am a student in the Chiropractic program. I was the co-president for Asian Culture club for about 2 years and the co-president for Mandarin Language club for a Trimester. Leading these clubs had open my opportunities to continue to build leadership skills. It required dedication and great organizational skills to develop several events over the terms here. In the beginning, I had stage fright and a tough time talking in front of people. Overtime leading a club it had really built my confidence. It is not just confidence but also learning to open myself up to others. I started to realize that clubs are almost like a business and the rest of the other clubs are your networking partners.
I must admit that especially in the graduate level of schooling recruiting members at Northwestern was a bit difficult. But I’m beginning to see it as a challenge which exposed me to the reality that most business for instance like Chiropractic isn’t easy to build. This is a driver for you to test your limits and success. I do have to also say that failures do occur at times during my terms here but it will only make you learn and become much stronger as a leader. I am thankful that the Office of Diversity Inclusion have given me this opportunity to challenge a side of me that I didn’t know if I had the confidence for. I have learned so much and will continue to.
Thank you,
Dr. Bao Xiong, DC
Thank you, Diversity Scholars!
Dear Diversity Scholars,
Today I write this post in gratitude for your participation and partnership in diversity and inclusion program at Northwestern Health Sciences University. The beautiful and vibrant campus culture we have is because of you. Together, we grew a community of people dedicated to service, became knowledgeable about running student organizations and businesses, and developed powerful cultural identities, convictions, and communications about and for our students. Once again, I am impressed with your commitment to our mission, vision, and values.
Not sure if you know, but I believe that we learned more from you. You challenged all of us to rethink our diversity and inclusion direction, encouraged us to be brave and stand up for what we want, and acted as a clear voice of innovation in our department and university. This goes without being said but our university will not be the same without you. We hope you come back as alumni with the same passion for the work as you had when you were here with us.
Wishing you the best in your new career!
Dr. Dashe & The Office of Diversity & Inclusion
Submitted by Alejandra Dashe, adashe@nwhealth.edu
Office of Diversity & Inclusion
Email: diversity@nwhealth.edu
Website: http://nwhealth.edu/diversity/
Location: Northwestern Health Sciences, West 84th Street, Bloomington, MN, United States
Phone: 952-888-4777 235
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Northwestern-Diversity-Inclusion/678001138890536
Twitter: @NWHSU_Diversity