By Jeanelle Bovell '02

Celebrating the differences we share as women is a key part of self-awareness. These differences are more common to us under the term diversity. As corporations, educational institutions, and religious organizations work on ways to improve diversity, we have come to an even greater social understanding of the term.

It is not a visual concept but a mandate that holds us individually and collectively at a higher standard. This standard requires us as women with varying spiritual beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and sexual preferences to articulate our needs and verbalize our concerns. For us, diversity is an initiative that builds an all-inclusive community grounded in respect of differences in age, sex, race, etc. This initiative and mandate call for us to challenge each other, whether faculty, staff, or student to raise the standard.

Take pride in who you are, but be sensible and allow yourself to learn from the people who do not look, speak, or dress the way you do. Let us shape this college and influence those who are working hard to influence us. Make it a two-way learning street between all members of the college and surrounding community as a whole.

Delivered Monday, January 28, 2002, in Phipps Auditorium, Wells College