Writing the Diversity Portion in your application

Writing a diverse story feels daunting.  

In my family, I am the first to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree, a master’s program, and to work in diversity and inclusion. Each of these milestones represents a path previously unexplored in my family. Being the first to navigate higher education came with its own challenges—learning to advocate for myself, finding my community, and growing confident in spaces where I was often the only one like me. These experiences helped me see how our identities influence our paths, how we view the world, and how the world views us.

Through my work with Diversity and Inclusion professionals, I learned how powerful it can be to share our unique journeys, regardless of background. I’ve spoken with people who feel that because they aren’t first-generation or part of a marginalized group, they can’t write a diversity statement. 

This is a misconception. 

We all carry unique identities and experiences that have the potential to shape and be shaped by others. And we all have opportunities to grow beyond our biases and privileges—this diversity essay is your chance to reflect on and share those moments of growth.

If you feel stuck, here are some questions to help guide your reflection:

1. What are you the first in your family/community/friends?
2. When did your privilege result in different treatment than others?
3. When did you discover a bias or privilege within yourself, and how did you work to overcome it?
4. Have you witnessed unconscious bias in school, your community, or the workplace? 

After reflecting, you can explore how you can add to SIPA’s diverse community.

What you should avoid in a diversity essay is borrowing from others’ experiences without a genuine connection to your own. Be authentic and focus on what genuinely matters to you, not just on what you think the admissions committee wants to hear