<p>I am a current psychology student at Cal Poly SLO. I am Mexican American. My parents were both immigrants to this country before receiving their citizenship about 10 years ago. I am from Orange County, but please don’t make any assumptions. Cal Poly consists of mostly white agriculture and engineer students, but there are programs and groups in place for ethnic and sexual minorities. However, I believe there are many close-minded individuals on campus. I have had to deal with numerous comments and beliefs made by fellow peers. I have always been a strong believer of speaking up for others and I do so when faced with these situations. However, if it pains you to hear such comments be advised that it is my experience here at Cal Poly.
There has been overt racism and heteroism attacks here on campus. In my three years at Cal Poly I have seen an event at least once each year. Whether it is a noose hanging outside a home inhabited by students, or a request by a club to only bring a member of the opposite sex as a date, it is seen.
However, Cal Poly is also a great place to meet people of different backgrounds. The fact that Cal Poly is mostly white students helps bring minority students together. I love it here and know that anyone else will too. You’re entirely surrounded by beauty, environmental and personally.</p>
<p>When searching for colleges, it becomes apparent that there are thousands and thousands available to choose from. If anyone is concerned about finding a place to fit it you just need to plug in statistics and a wide variety of schools pop up. Why go to a school if you are so “afraid”. Keep an open mind, avoid making assumptions–go there to learn, put your heart and soul into it, don’t waste tuition money by looking for a fight, and make some good friends of all races. College is a time to broaden your horizons and open your mind to new ideas and people. :)</p>
<p>wow i was going to respond and realized this thread is from 2007.lol</p>