Rubi Tiburcio

The world we currently live in is widely characterized by difference and change. As a minority student and woman of color, I have had times where I’ve felt indifferent and out of place. I know what it’s like to try to fit in, in a place you are unfamiliar with. I understand what it’s like to go the extra-mile, to prove that you belong. Being a part of a university that actively supports and strongly advocates for diversity and inclusion, has broadened my perspective in many ways. In addition, the journalism program at the University of Rhode Island has challenged me to bring up conversations about important topics that can be considered uncomfortable. Also, to present the truth of the facts, in a way that fits into today’s diverse and multicultural world. 

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My first evidence is about an event I attended and took notes in my first year of college, called, Health Care of Pregnant Women in U.S state prisons. I was assigned to attend the event and write a reflection on the information I learned. At the time, I was considering nursing as a major and had not yet learned about the journalism program at URI. I believe this piece of evidence demonstrates my ability to talk about topics of relevance in an area I am unfamiliar with.   

 

My second piece of evidence is an interview that I conducted for The Daily Ram. The interview was about Diversity Week, at the University of Rhode Island. I interviewed the Director of Communications for URI Student Senate, Leila Cox. The point of the interview was to spread awareness about Diversity Week to the URI community. Topics in the interview included: what diversity week is, what events they should expect to find at Diversity Week, and where to get more information.  

 

My last piece of evidence for this outcome is a profile story that I wrote about a minority student that went from an inner-city school system, to the challenges of studying in a predominantly-white institution. I believe this piece of evidence shows my ability to discuss a topic of relevance that highlights, difference and change in today’s world.

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