When I was faced with the decision of choosing a college, I ultimately chose Grinnell because the diversity of the campus stood out to me. When I visited Grinnell, I was not expecting such a diverse campus in a small, rural Midwestern town. I could clearly see that during my visit to Grinnell, and I still see diversity exemplified on campus to this day. For instance, my dorm residents and friend circle include domestic and international students from all across the nation and world, including Illinois, Nebraska, New York, Maryland, California, Missouri, Korea, China, Tanzania (to name just a few!).
Although I think that racial and ethnic diversity are essential in promoting a positive campus climate, I also believe that diversity comes in all forms. Socioeconomic diversity is commonly overlooked but is crucial to the Grinnellian experience. Grinnell College is among a handful of colleges that offers a need-blind admission and is able to meet the full financial need to U.S. applicants. Because of the need-blind policy, Grinnell is able to accept students from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds from across the United States. A socioeconomically diverse institution like Grinnell stimulates more interactions across different classes and even across different races for a more positive campus climate. I wouldn't be able to attend such an amazing school otherwise!
If it wasn't for the students from different classes and backgrounds, then my experience at Grinnell wouldn't be as valuable. Our learning is limited when we hear the same biases and opinions from similar people. I really do think that learning from each other is more valuable when different perspectives are being offered from people who have had different privileges.
