Choose an aspect of your identify (age, race, gender, ability/disability status, country of origin, socio-economic status, religion, language etc.) that is salient to you, and answer the following questions, in 600 words:
1) When and how did you first become aware of this aspect of your identity/diversity? Is there a particular event, or series of events, that stand out in your mind? Or did you become aware of it in another way?
2) So far in your life, in what ways has this aspect of your diversity affected you academically or professionally? How has it affected you personally?
3) How does this aspect of yourself affect your view of/orientation toward your major and future career path? How do other people's views about your identity affect your thinking about your path? Are you influenced by how other people view you or not? If so, how? If not, why not?
4) Thinking practically, how do you want to act/what steps do you want to take in your major and career path, in light of these issues? What challenges might you face, and how might these challenges strengthen your ability to do the work that you choose in a major or career?