From the Desk of Diversity
Office of Diversity & Inclusion
Special Issue: Spring & Summer 2016 Graduate Spotlight
Jasmine Stark
Of all the things that I have done here at Northwestern Health Sciences University a few things will remain in my mind forever.
My first day in student senate, being awarded the Student Leadership award for the massage therapy program, salsa dancing at the Annual Sweere Art Festival, and shoving a pie into my father’s face. But the thing that will have the most effect on my life after graduation was tabling in front of the cafeteria on World Vasectomy Day.
It started with me and Dr. Dashe my advisor in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion looking up what days would be good to promote the issue of overpopulation. The date for World Vasectomy Day worked well as it was about a month away and gave me plenty of time to get an event approved, create some flyers to hand out, and get some endangered species themed condom packs from World Population Balance (worldpopulationbalance.com).
As I prepared for this event I decided that I should put together some information on birth control as well. This sparked my interest in the importance of women understanding their own reproductive cycle and its effect on their body. After graduation I plan to incorporate this fertility awareness into my practice.
Angela Current
My role with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion has given me the experience to branch out and make connections with the students at Northwestern Health Sciences University. I had the chance to lead a mentor program offered to the Caom and Chiropractic programs. As president of the Mentor Program, my vision was students helping students. I had the opportunity to help create mentoring partnerships between the students. As leader of the program and a member of student senate, I try and make an effort to reach out to new students and assist them with any questions they may have about the programs. It is my hope that the students of Northwestern will continue building supporting relationships with their peers.
The office of Diversity and Inclusion gave me the support I needed to make connections within the school and the community. My role as president of a club gave me a chance to be a leader, something I had never experienced before coming to the school. I not only learned leadership and acceptance, but how to speak out for those who may not feel welcomed and accepted. My experience with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion has given me courage to approach those different than me, strike up a conversation and make a new friend. I will continue to be accepting and of all people and to continue advocating for those whose voice may otherwise not be heard regardless of sex, race, age or gender.
Angela Current
Thank you, Diversity Scholars!
My experience with our Diversity Scholars is incredible. I work every day with 26 students (and growing) on health equity, social justice, inclusion, and diversity. These fantastic students create Northwestern’s welcoming culture. Let me tell you, their energy is infectious. They share with all of us how much passion they have for our university.
Diversity Scholars are on the pulse of diversity and inclusion work. They have thirteen cultural clubs and I am sure more will be created. They develop new opportunities and partnerships with organizations that support college entrance, anti-racism work, and health equity efforts. They go to trainings on their own time and then teach that knowledge to our campus community. They plan several celebrations that have brought in hundreds of community members to see what we can do. They volunteer at Northwestern and important organizations that benefit our society. They extend themselves into our community above and beyond their full-time studies in acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic.
Diversity Scholars show Northwestern what it means to live, learn, and serve healthy. I am in awe of what, how, and why they do what they do.
Thank you, Diversity Scholars, for all that you do for Northwestern. It is my privilege to work and serve with you. Congratulations on another successful year and extra special congratulations to our graduates!
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