A Dance of Diversity: Learning through Differences by Vivian

A Dance of Diversity: Learning through Differences by Vivian - March 2024 Scholarship Essay

I am Vivian Meyer, a rising senior committed to achieving academic excellence, as evident from my high school GPA of 3.81. As I aspire to study law at the University of Georgia, I constantly seek experiences that could augment my ability to empathize and adapt to diverse perspectives. The story I am about to narrate reflects me as a person – ambitious, compassionate, and resilient, and sets upon demonstrating how my experience working with a group of children with unique needs substantially influenced my personal and learning growth.

Every week, I embark on a 45-minute drive to a small community center, where I teach dance to a troop of kids with special needs. At the commencement of this venture, the individuals I met were as diverse as they could be - some were buoyant, eager learners, while others were quiet, even non-verbal. This initially posed a substantial challenge. Instead of a homogenous class where a one-size-fits-all teaching method would suffice, I faced a group of children as distinct as a palette of paints, requiring unique and individualized attention and approach.

The dichotomy of teaching dance, an art often expressed in tangible, audible words, to children who communicated in their distinctive and non-verbal ways, was daunting. I was thoroughly unprepared. However, the realization that these children and I shared a common love for dance supplanted my initial apprehension. It dawned on me that dance allows self-expression beyond the barriers of language or disposition. I gradually learned to embrace that difference in perspective instead of fearing it.

We navigated through the journey together - me learning their language, and them, my dance. With time and patience, I developed unconventional teaching methods. I began to use visual cues, familiar actions to represent dance moves, and a lot of praises and rewards. I also welcomed parents and friends to join in, making the class a collective, supportive endeavor. This process meticulously built my spirit of innovation, and a unique understanding and respect for differing perspectives.

Working with this extraordinary group made me realize that no matter how vastly different our perspectives may be, we could always find a common ground – in our case, an unspoken yet deeply profound love for dance. This realization was highlighted during their showcases. A spectator might just see a performance, but to me, every step they put forth was a leap of victory – an impeccable testament of their hard work, determination, and courage.

Implementing this lesson of shattering barriers and finding commonality amidst differences resonated with my intended major - Law. I perceived law as an entity detached from emotions, focusing solely on judgments. However, going through this process, I understood that law, too, is about acknowledging diverse perspectives and finding a shared understanding. It's about standing up for the silent, the disregarded--just like I did for my students.

Looking back, I realize that this experience was not one-sided learning. It was mutual growth. At each stage, as I helped my students learn to dance, they helped me learn the dance of life. Their indomitable spirit taught me resilience and determination. Their smiles, in the face of hurdles, taught me to stay positive.

In retrospect, this journey of learning through teaching significantly broadened my perspective, teaching me that difficulties do not hinder progress, but instead, shape us into better individuals. With these children, I learned that the beauty of dance – much like life – lies not in the flawless performance but in overcoming every stumble and misstep, turning them into a victorious bow.
Hence, I feel this journey has enriched my understanding, enabling me to be a strong candidate for the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Contest.

Different people, different abilities, and different perspectives surrounding a shared passion culminated in this beautiful mosaic of harmony, growth, and learning. It made me cherish the allure of diversity and emphasized the importance of inclusivity, lessons that I intend to carry forward in my academic journey and beyond. Through dance, I understood that the symphony of life plays best when it resonates with the melodies of diverse instruments.

In conclusion, it was in adjusting my steps to match the rhythm of my unique students that I found my beat, my purpose, and my growth. After all, isn’t life itself much like a dance – beautiful, diverse, and inclusive off and on the stage?