Photo Credits: Griskarly Sena
Many students are seeking diversity on campus. SUNY Old Westbury has many events that help students acknowledge culture and ensure inclusivity for all. OW has always taken pride in offering diverse perspectives to students. Old Westbury welcomes one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation.
There are many programs and organizations promoting diversity on campus. Clubs like “Unidos Todos Se Puede (UTSP) have hosted cultural events for everyone in the university community. UTSP also hosted Loteria night, a popular game in the latino community, this spring.
Resident Assistant, Sydney Royal led a diversity event at the Woodlands Residence Hall 4 on April 2. Royal helped students speak on the importance of representation and inclusion while creating their own cupcakes.
Creating cupcakes is a balance of baking and creativity. Students shared their different cultural backgrounds while decorating the cupcakes. Participants decorated cupcakes with a wide range of flavors and toppings. Royal encouraged them to share their inspirations and what that said about how they are seen on campus “I think that even though it might just be a cupcake, no one’s cupcake looks the same, which is the same for people,” Royal said.
This event embraced diversity and inclusivity at the college, creating a better environment for everyone and allowing students to not be afraid to show their true identity. Creating a cupcake can represent you and how you believe you are perceived. Meaningful conversations and stories were shared, promoting empathy and understanding. This event created a safe space for students to get comfortable and embrace their diversity.
“The cupcake is a metaphor. The different ingredients and how all the cupcakes turned out help portray the message on diversity,” Royal explained. “Through these shared experiences with the residents, I believe we all gained a better understanding of diversity.”
