Jeimee Estrada’s Essay

Topic 1: Why do you want to continue your education and how to do plan to make a difference in today’s diverse world?

As a teaching assistant in a class based on the history and current influences of race, gender and sexual orientation on education in the United States, it is my continued experience that social change toward a more inclusive society can be done both on a micro-level, in the daily interactions between people from different backgrounds, as well as on a macro-level, wherein educated policy makers assess the problems in society and create direct action plans to address those problems. Through my extra-curricular activities and professional endeavors, I have been engaged in and a witness to micro-level change that developed through personal interactions and understanding how each individual’s background influences their perspective of and engagement or disengagement with their community. My interest has shifted from engaging in personal change to the analysis and management of public policy because I’ve learned that both are absolutely essential in challenging our society to be more inclusive; and more specifically that many choose to take the route of institutional influence without understanding and empathizing with the individuals most affected by it.

I plan to make a difference in today’s diverse world by advocating for diversity based on race, gender, sexual orientation, culture, religion, and political ideology in whatever career or education path I chose. I believe studying public policy is the best medium for me to promote diversity in that I will have the ability to influence legislation with a social justice agenda. In particular, I am dedicated to fighting against legislation that discriminates against individuals based on their identity and background. Learning more about the legislative process will better enable me to continue my struggle against injustice.