from Angela’s winning essay…
“Growing up in a small community, it’s sometimes difficult to comprehend that there is a whole other world out there. Often times we don’t really even 
get to know our neighbors, much less our world neighbors. So, what stands in the way? Often, it is fear, stereotypes, and perceptions that have been instilled in us by our parents, our friends, or the media. My father had often told me the story of how he overcame racism…
I will be attending Benedictine University in Illinois in the fall. Benedictine has been recognized as one of the most diverse colleges in the country. I am looking forward to meeting people from all over the world and having the opportunity to learn about their cultures. After college, I hope to become a teacher. As part of my classroom climate I will try to instill an appreciation for our neighbors around the world. I will set a priority of teaching my students about other cultures. I will teach them not to believe everything they read or hear on the news. I will challenge them to look for alternative sources of information to find their own truth. My hope is that I will able to break down some of the stereotypes and prejudices they have about other people, and they will learn to judge others by the quality of their character.”
