The Diversity Educator Interns are a mix of six, talented undergraduate and graduate students who work to fulfill the Mosaic Center's mission and vision by promoting cross cultural programs, education and collaboration. Want to know more? Contact mosaic@umbc.edu.

Name: Andrea Duval

Major: Modern Languages and Linguistics major studying French and Intercultural Communication

Hometown: Native New Yorker

Q: Favorite animals? Random facts? 

A: I love dogs (especially big cuddly ones), hamsters, and my baby betta fish! Random facts...  There's no pizza quite like a Brooklyn pizza. 

Q: How did you learn about the Diversity Education Internship (DEI)? Did you know right away that you wanted to do it?

A: I heard about it in an email I received from the MLL department here.  I thought "This sounds perfect!" and decided to apply.  I knew that this was right up my alley, and I'm glad I went for it. 

Q: Have you volunteered in any other diversity positions before you started? How did you learn skills you needed to know for this internship? 

A: My freshman year I volunteered in the English Language Institute as  conversation partner, helping international students develop their conversational English. It was a great experience and put me in a position where I had to develop the necessary skills to communicate across cultures.  And those skills are invaluable as a DEI. 

Q: How many hours each week do you work in the OSL Mosaic Center? What do you do during that time? 

A: I work an hour a day in the Mosaic as a part of the Marketing Team, keeping our information updated on myUMBC to inform the student population of our upcoming events, and to put the word out about what the Mosaic is and what we do. 

Q: What is the most difficult thing you have encountered so far into the internship? What is the most interesting thing you have encountered?

A: Learning to let go of your fears and volunteering to do something I might not usually be comfortable doing, like sharing a personal story and stepping out of my comfort zone.  It's important in this internship to be able to put yourself out there, or else it would be hard to help anyone else. 

Q: What would you say to other students inquiring about becoming the next generation of DEIs?

A: Do it! Apply, inquire, ask questions, and most importantly be willing to be active in the center.  Come in and talk to an intern, find out what goes on in the Mosaic, and think of ways to help make it even better! 

Q: What are your plans/goals for after UMBC? 

A: I feel that graduate school is a definite for me.  Whether it happens right after graduation or a few years down the road depends.  But I plan to further my education, and I can't wait to find out what opportunities await me. 

 All discussions will be held in the Office of Student Life’s Mosaic Center for Culture & Diversity, Commons Rm. 2B23 on Wednesdays during free hour (12-1pm).

Wednesday, February 15^th, 12-1pm

No Such Thing as “Post Racial”: Dealing with racism in a “post racial” society (In honor of Black History Month)

Wednesday, February 29^th, 12-1pm

The 2012 Elections: What’s at stake for minorities and women if the GOP is elected?

Wednesday, March 14^th, 12-1pm

The Other F Word: What feminism looks like in 2011 and how the role of women continues to evolve (In recognition of Women’s History Month)

Wednesday, March 28^th, 12-1pm  

Exploring Mixed Identities:  Examining identities and experiences from a mixed race/mixed ethnicity perspective.

Wednesday, April 11^th, 12-1pm

Navigating the Varying Cultural Aspects of Sexual Assault

(In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month)

Wednesday, April 25^th, 12-1pm

Where Do We Go From Here? Reviewing the legislative session and marriage equality in Maryland

(In early recognition of National Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in June)

Wednesday, May 2^nd, 12-1pm

Being Asian American: Exploring and Dispelling the Model Minority Myth

(In recognition of Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month)

Invitation to participate: Students or faculty interested and able to serve as a co-facilitator for any of these dialogues are encouraged to contact the OSL Mosaic center at 471-455-2686 or mosaic@umbc.edu.

Please note: Groups of 10 or more must RSVP via email (mosaic@umbc.edu) at least 2 work days in advance of each dialogue.

The Diversity Educator Interns are a mix of six, talented undergraduate and graduate students who work to fulfill the Mosaic Center's mission and vision by promoting cross cultural programs, education and collaboration. Want to know more? Contact mosaic@umbc.edu.

Q: What is your year and major at UMBC?
A: I am a Junior and am double majoring in Psychology and Media & Communication.

Q: How is your major applicable to diversity education?
A: My majors are not applicable to diversity education, but they have helped me learn different ways of thinking and communicating. I can apply my knowledge to diversity education by helping increase communication and understanding through events, videos, and other forms of communication.

Q: Why did you decide to apply for the Diversity Educator Internship?
A: Diversity education is something that I have always been interested in. I wanted to help bring different groups and people together to discuss and accept each other. I believed this internship would help me figure out how to
use my personal skills to educate others about diversity.

Q: How would you define diversity?
A: I believe that diversity occurs when people accept and acknowledge differences in others.

Q: How does UMBC foster an appreciation for diversity?
A: UMBC has a multitude of groups that students can participate in that provide opportunities to interact with different cultures and beliefs. Even if you don’t participate in a group, it is impossible to walk around campus and not find someone who has a different background from yours.

Q: What are ways that students can participate in advocacy for diversity?

A: I believe that students can be advocates by learning instead of assuming when it comes to others, going to events that are not the norm for them, and keeping an open mind.

 Q: After graduating how will you continue to be an advocate for diversity?

A: I’m still figuring out everything for after graduation, but I would love to go find work as a Diversity Educator or eventually become someone who teaches about gender stratification and stereotypes. I find diversity, cultural interaction, and gender stereotypes interesting and going into any of these fields would give me tools to be an even better advocate for diversity. I also view being an advocate for diversity as a life style. It can just be little acts of kindness and acceptance, not a huge world changing cause.