<p>Ok...As some of you know, I'm applying to a number of PhD programs right now and have lots and lots of essays and such to complete. One essay in particular has been giving me trouble and I naturally asked my parents to brainstorm for me as well. The essay addresses how you woud add diversity to the graduate school of University of Minnesota (actual question is below). It is an optional essay, and if I can't find a great topic for it, I may scratch it. </p>
<p>Diversity Statement (4000 char max.)</p>
<p>The Graduate School embraces the University of Minnesotas position that promoting and supporting diversity among the student body is central to the academic mission of the University. We define diversity to encompass many characteristics including economic disadvantage, special talents, evidence of leadership qualities, race or ethnicity, a strong work record, and disability. We invite you to provide a statement regarding how you will contribute to diversity in the Graduate School.</p>
<p>Now, there are a number of ways to approach this topic...I'm not a URM, I'm female (which makes me a minority in my program of geology...but not so much anymore...), but what I (and my parents) think my hook should be for this essay is my religion. I'm a practicing 'born-again' Christian who is a geologist who views the earth as an 'old' earth as opposed to the 'young' earth philosophy. Now, I know I'm this adds diversity to any geology department, but I'm worried about the risk associated with disclosing my religious beliefs in a graduate school application, especially because the individual department normally reviews graduate applications rather than a traditional admissions office for undergraduate admissions. </p>
<p>Anybody out there have advice as to how I should approach this essay. Both whether I should submit one, and if I do submit one, is my essay topic too touchy.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for your thoughts and comments!</p>
<p>It's risky. Most of the population, including academics, embrace the idea that the earth is old, but there are lots of academics who don't embrace the idea of a single one-time creation with a divine creator (an intelligent designer who seems to have ceased work a long time ago). If I am reading the essay, I will be nagged by the question of the degree to which your religious beliefs might impinge on your "scientific objectivity". I'm not saying that it should, or even that it does, only that I would be tempted to ask the question. So unless you are prepared to tackle that one head-on (which you might), I'd think it an unnecessary risk.</p>
<p>I view the earth's processes and such the same as any traditional geologist. My views differ as to who/what started the earth and its processes. I believe that the Christian God created the world and the universe. I believe God created the Earth 4.55Ga and animals/humans much later and that the book of Genesis should be taken with a grain of salt. I believe God created humans so they could evolve (adapt) to their surroundings. Basically speaking, what differs between me and the standard geologist (speaking from what I see in my graduate department here) is I have faith that an omnipotent God created the heavens and the Earth and there was no 'big-bang' to start off the universe.</p>
<p>As for how my views differ from archaeologists, I have no clue since I do not work with archaeologists and have no reserach interest in archaeology. I am a 'hard-rock' geologist who is heavy into metamorphic rocks formed in
subduction zone processes.</p>
<p>I do not differ with research in the department (other than 'big-bang' stuff...which rarely comes up, only once in 6 years...). I only differ with my faith, in my current department I am the only graduate student (whom I know...only 20 of us though) whom practices religion.</p>
<p>Edit:
mini: </p>
<p>Thank you, I do agree with you. I think in 4000 characters it would be difficult (not impossible) to quell any fears that may develop as a result of the topic.</p>
<p>Since the "big bang" (and its results) could have been the work of an intelligent designer, I'm not sure how your belief adds particularly to the diversity of your department. (Fred Hoyle, a non-theist astronomer, believed in multiple creations or "big bangs" as it were, and there have been "steady state" physicists in the last 50 years - both theistic and non-theistic, even if the scientific evidence has put them very much on the defensive.)</p>
<p>The question says diversity includes: "economic disadvantage, special talents, evidence of leadership qualities, race or ethnicity, a strong work record, and disability." Do you have special evidence of leadership qualities that only show up in church settings, or a strong work record in same, or some such? In other words, I can imagine religion fitting into the question they are asking (though I note they did NOT include it), but I'd probably work hard to keep it away from anything that resembles academic matters. (I'm not saying it "should" be that way, only that I wouldn't invite extra questions.)</p>
<p>(P.S. Full Disclosure: I am Quaker, who believes the evidence supports the Big Bang, fully embraces neo-Darwinism, finds no contradiction with my belief in a continuing creation, and believes that the Divine placed the seeds of scientific understanding in the human intellect and that we are therefore compelled to follow wherever that understanding takes us.)</p>
<p>Ophiolite, I have to agree with mini that I don't think your religious beliefs will be viewed by a state-supported university as bringing diversity to the graduate school.So, although I doubt the essay would HURT you (the state has to be just as careful about discriminating against Christians as they are about other religions), I don't think it's going to help you, either. I'd recommend that you look at your leadership, special talents, etc. and go at they essay from that angle.</p>
<p>I agree. If you are going to do this topic, focus on some other aspect of diversity. Although this particular angle may be near and dear to your heart and part of how you define yourself, it doesn't really seem to fit into the parameters given by the university.</p>
<p>You all are quite right and that idea will be scraped.</p>
<p>If I do indeed decide to submit an essay, do you think a topic on how I seize every opportunity that comes my way would work? For example, I travel abroad whenever given the opportunity, take on extra responsibilities around the department whenever I can, seek out as many field assistant opportunities as I can fit into my schedule, and help out professors with their research (not related to mine) and side projects (currently scientific editor for a professor emeritis' book in prep.). As an undergraduate I also took on similar responsibilities (such as TAing and maintaining an internship for over a year). Do you think this is more along the lines they are looking for? Would going above and beyond to attain goals and soak up knowledge help diversity? I have a sneaky feeling that writing something like this will make me look boa****l and be expected of every incoming PhD. student.</p>
<p>umm...why is the word b<em>o</em>a<em>s</em>t<em>f</em>u*l starred? I don't particularly see it as an offensive word (sorry if I'm wrong)...</p>