Title: by Giacomo

Title: by Giacomo - March 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Giacomo Pegan, a Sports Management major at Ohio University with a steady 3.5 GPA. I am a white Christian male and proud of my heritage, but I am also a dynamic individual with an appreciation for diversity and a valiant spirit dedicated to lifelong learning and growth. Today, I would like to share an enriching experience I had as I worked closely with someone whose perspective was radically different from mine.

During my freshman year at OU, I participated in a school project that required me to collaborate intimately with a Muslim classmate. One might assume that our divergent backgrounds and perspectives would not bode well for a functionally collaborative effort. Yet, this experience came to serve as a testament to the value in stepping out of one’s bubble to connect with those perceived as different.

I am, unabashedly, a Christian. My faith guides my values, shaping my decision-making processes. My Muslim friend, on the other hand, hails from a culture diametrically opposed to mine. Navigating this ideological divergence was the crux of our collaboration. We challenged each other a lot, questioning each other's beliefs and principles, striving to comprehend the why’s and how’s behind our differing perspectives. This engagement, though occasionally strenuous, contributed significantly towards the successful execution of our project.

What started as a clash of perspectives evolved into a journey of mutual understanding. Despite our contrasting views, I discovered that our beliefs shared more similarities than I initially anticipated. I delved into the eloquence and aesthetics of Islamic calligraphy, a fundamental aspect of Islamic art, which helped me better comprehend his artistic perspective towards project tasks. He, on his part, explored the concept of Christian fellowship, constructing a deeper understanding of teamwork from a Christian perspective.

The knowledge exchange between us morphed into a salient learning experience. I gleaned a better understanding of Islam, stretching my cultural horizons, while reciprocally imparting knowledge about Christianity, fostering a mutual respect for each other’s faith. Both of us stepped out of our comfort zones and preconceived notions, leading to personal growth and a profound appreciation of diversity.

Relating this experience to my Sports Management major, I understood the value of diverse perspectives within a group setting. Working in the sports industry requires collaboration with a broad mix of people - athletes, managers, coaches, and fans from different backgrounds and cultures. The empathy and understanding I gained from this interaction equip me for future collaborative efforts, not only in my studies and career but also in my personal life.

Through this experience, I realized that a wealth of knowledge and understanding lies in the intersection of different perspectives. This realization mirrors in my academic life as I continuously yearn for new learning experiences, contributing to my academic success as demonstrated by my GPA.

This narrative reflects my eagerness to embrace different perspectives, an important quality for anyone seeking to make a meaningful impact in their field. It embodies my resolve to maintain open lines of communication, respect personal differences, and engage with others, even those whose beliefs may conflict with my own.

In conclusion, stepping out of my bubble to work with my Muslim classmate was an eye-opening experience that shaped my understanding of diversity. It taught me the value of perspective and empathy in a cooperative setting. With a commitment to constantly expand my horizons and integrate opposing perspectives, I believe I am a worthy candidate for the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship.

Navigating cultural and religious difference requires a depth of character and understanding. These are qualities I have honed and ones I will bring to bear throughout my tenure in Ohio University and beyond. For life, as I have come to understand, thrives on the beauty of diversity and the power of shared learning experiences.