Real World's Parisa to speak about cultural diversity
By Elizabeth Rekowski
Rocket Focus Editor
Issue date: 1/25/08 Section: Focus
Additionally, Herman said she's glad Parisa is coming to SRU to speak about cultural diversity.
"She's someone a lot of people our age know and could relate to," Herman said. "And hearing things about minorities and diversity from her would get through to more students since they are interested in her because of The Real World."
She also believes that diversity is especially something students at SRU should try to learn more about since the campus is in a rural setting.
"Colleges in the city and other places have more diversity, and students are able to learn about that diversity through contact with new and different people," Herman said. "Here, I don't think we have as much diversity as we could and it's not as likely you'll meet people that are a lot more different than yourself."
Shawnta Reed, a 24-year-old criminology and criminal justice major, is the vice president of cultural diversity for the University Programs Board and had met Parisa while at the regional National Association of Campus Activities conference.
While at the conference in October, Reed spoke with Parisa and booked her to come to SRU for a lecture on cultural diversity.
"She will discuss her religion issues and will give an interactive forum with the students," Reed said.
This hasn't been the first time "The Real World" cast members have come to the campus to speak with students. But Parisa's message will be a little less lightweight than her comrades' talks have been.
"Rachael and Veronica came, and one of them talked about her semester overseas and the other talked about her time in college as well," Reed said.
Reed believes students should attend Parisa's lecture for a variety of reasons, mostly to enlighten and educate themselves.
"It's good to hear about a religion that is different than yours," Reed said. "You can't avoid (diversity), so it's always good to learn about different cultures and people who aren't like you."
Reed said she likes to organize events like this because it helps get messages out to students in a way that isn't too informational or boring.
"More students will be willing to come out to see her," Reed said. "Students at SRU tend to shy away from stuff that's too informational. They prefer things that are more fun, (and) that's why we try to combine the two."
"She's someone a lot of people our age know and could relate to," Herman said. "And hearing things about minorities and diversity from her would get through to more students since they are interested in her because of The Real World."
She also believes that diversity is especially something students at SRU should try to learn more about since the campus is in a rural setting.
"Colleges in the city and other places have more diversity, and students are able to learn about that diversity through contact with new and different people," Herman said. "Here, I don't think we have as much diversity as we could and it's not as likely you'll meet people that are a lot more different than yourself."
Shawnta Reed, a 24-year-old criminology and criminal justice major, is the vice president of cultural diversity for the University Programs Board and had met Parisa while at the regional National Association of Campus Activities conference.
While at the conference in October, Reed spoke with Parisa and booked her to come to SRU for a lecture on cultural diversity.
"She will discuss her religion issues and will give an interactive forum with the students," Reed said.
This hasn't been the first time "The Real World" cast members have come to the campus to speak with students. But Parisa's message will be a little less lightweight than her comrades' talks have been.
"Rachael and Veronica came, and one of them talked about her semester overseas and the other talked about her time in college as well," Reed said.
Reed believes students should attend Parisa's lecture for a variety of reasons, mostly to enlighten and educate themselves.
"It's good to hear about a religion that is different than yours," Reed said. "You can't avoid (diversity), so it's always good to learn about different cultures and people who aren't like you."
Reed said she likes to organize events like this because it helps get messages out to students in a way that isn't too informational or boring.
"More students will be willing to come out to see her," Reed said. "Students at SRU tend to shy away from stuff that's too informational. They prefer things that are more fun, (and) that's why we try to combine the two."
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