Diversity Project

Diversity Project

 

 

Okay, I admit it. When we were assigned this project I let out a silent groan. The prospect of yet ANOTHER assignment tethered to someone I didn't know was way outside of my comfort zone. But, that's exactly what this lesson was designed to do...to encourage me to reach beyond what's familiar and comfortable. And I'm glad I did, or I might never have gotten to know Sarah, my project partner, who is pictured here. As Sarah and I talked and got to know one another, we realized that we had SOME things in common. We are both from New York, albeit different parts. I'm from the South Bronx...she's from Long Island; she's a freshmen, just beginning her journey into adulthood; I am in the autumn of life and could easily be her mother; she wants to be a doctor and loves helping people ( and I bet she's really smart); I'm the creative type who hopes to affect the world in a way that leaves it a bit better than I found it.

 

 

 

 

Sarah invited me to visit her Chemistry class. That day, they were finding the effect of cooking on the Vitamin C content of Bell Pepper. I'd never even considered this, although cooking is a favorite pastime of mine. When I compared  experiencing Sarah's "cooking" to my personal understanding of the act, I found some similarities. To begin with, the lab she works in is somewhat like a kitchen:

 Protective gear is needed, although most times I only need an apron and oven mitts:

 

 

 

She cooks, chops and mixes just like I do:

All in all, I enjoyed watching Sarah in action...and didn't feel as out of place in a lab as I thought I might be. In fact I didn't feel out of place at all. I met Moira, Sarah's classmate, who's obviously a returning student like me:

 

 

 

 

 

And I have a new friend named Sarah!