In my personal life, I have experienced some major diversity issues as a student which has heightened my awareness as an educator. It has also instilled upon me a responsibility to be sensitive to the cultures of others while becoming more personally culturally competent. Upon analyzing these experiences, I have noticed the more exclusionary aspects of it but experienced some benefits of being included through inclusive programs and scholarships.

Throughout my experience as a student, I was usually one of a few Black students participating in certain courses. Students within these courses were usually labeled as gifted or honors and received additional privileges, field trips, lessons and other educational opportunities which would have benefited all students. I received the inclusive benefits or something which I felt was exclusionary and provided access to mostly white students.

Within my graduating class (year and month) in the Department of Engineering Mathematics and Science, I was one of four Black people receiving a degree within this department. While this could not be considered exclusionary, I became aware of the inclusive benefits of affirmative action through my ability to apply for and receive scholarships based on my racial identity. 

As people experience and identify with diversity in various ways, I believe it is important to note that an individual will experience many, if not all aspects of this diversity no matter which group they identify with. There may be times at which a person is excluded because of their race, then later included for the same facet of their being. In another situation, this individual may not only be included but recognized for their differences. Some individuals may experience outright xenophobia (being an object of prejudice or exhibiting prejudice toward others).