There are many factors that go into choosing a college, and many times it can be a difficult decision to make. Do I want to go out of state? Does this school excel academically regarding my intended major? How many students attend this school? These are all concepts to consider when deciding where you want to spend the next four years (possibly even more) of your academic experience.
What some prospective students do not consider, though, is the inclusivity and diversity of a school. Often, a student does not realize just how important this factor is until they experience the difference in class, in social environments, and in religious practices and ceremonies. There truly is a difference in the quality of one’s education when living and learning with people of all different backgrounds.
Although Cabrini University is a Catholic institution, it is a safe and welcoming environment for students of all religious backgrounds and beliefs. The inclusivity of the school is one of its best characteristics, in my opinion. Students at Cabrini have the unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate people of many different religious, socioeconomic, and academic backgrounds. It is very eye-opening and refreshing to learn about different ways of life that could be so drastically different from your own. It is enlightening to meet others with so many unique stories to tell.
I feel that the differences among students at Cabrini enrich the overall educational experience received at this school. There are always opportunities in almost all of my classes to have healthy discussions and debates about beliefs and ideals. You really have the opportunity to view your studies from many different perspectives that might not have previously been explored. I feel as though these moments, such as hearing someone else’s unique perspective of the world and their unique perspective of the topics in class, really emphasize the Education of the Heart mission at Cabrini.
Many times, one believes that their opinion is the only correct way of viewing something, and they don’t take the time to challenge their thoughts and beliefs until they are healthily challenged in a class by peers or faculty members. This leads to such growth, both academically and personally, and I believe this is really what produces well-rounded scholars at Cabrini.
There is something to be said about opening your mind to how other people experience life and realize that no two people experience this world in the same light. With this in mind, you have the opportunity not only to learn about others but also to learn about yourself. If you go through life with a certain level of privilege, closed-minded to those who could be struggling or dealing with problems that may not yet have solutions, how are you to make the most out of your privilege that you may have been born with? Hearing other perspectives, challenging your own beliefs, and finding common ground with people are all factors that lead to becoming a better functioning member of society, which truly is the goal for all of us, right?
Beginning to understand the world around you, the world outside of your own realm and comfort zone, is when growth takes place. I believe that my education has been so greatly enriched due to the inclusivity and diversity at Cabrini University. Had I chosen a school of many students more similar to me, whether those be similarities of race, belief, or religion, my own ideas would not have been challenged and strengthened by my peers and faculty members.
Because I have taken a step out of my comfort zone and challenged my own beliefs, I have become a more open-minded and more well-rounded individual. I believe this is an ultimate take away from every student at Cabrini. I can confidently posit that I have grown in character and in my academics due to being afforded the opportunity to study in such a diverse environment at Cabrini University.