Glitter & The Girly Girl: Mosaic of ESU

He told me that my hands were beautiful.

I gasped and asked, “Really?!” I explained how I am usually made fun of for my big hands and long fingers. He told me that the longer the fingers, the better. I kept thanking him and he asked, “Why do you keep thanking me? It’s truth.”

This was part of my conversation with a new friend I made at Mosaic, a diversity leadership retreat that Emporia State University puts on at Camp Wood. My new friend’s name is Joo and he is from South Korea and just started his journey at ESU this January. He was in my small community group at the retreat and just from our discussions, I dug his personality and the cultural insights he had to offer. He brought to our attention that in Korea, it is weird for them to say, “Hey, how are you?” to others if they are out and about. He explained that you would get weird looks and confusion if you tried to do that to someone at a simple place like a grocery store. Us Americans, probably don’t think twice about this simple greeting that we say day to day to others. We might even take it for granted in a way. I also learned that in other cultures, being really white and fair is a thing of beauty while here, you are pressured to be tan. It is fascinating how different societies are when it comes to “beauty norms.”

Mosaic was a great place full of activities that opened my eyes even more to the benefits and effects of diversity. Diversity has been important to me ever since I realized the impact it has while attending Sumner Academy, but it deepened even more in that 24 hours last weekend. I finally was in an environment and had time to connect with new people and other cultures.

I still keep in contact with Joo. We actually hung out in our student union and talked for an hour just about the differences and comparisons between Korean and American culture. I am thankful that I was able to meet him and talk to him and expand my knowledge. I haven’t traveled overseas (yet), but I am glad ESU blessed me with exchange students that can give me a taste of other cultures until then.

Another big moment for me while at Mosaic was the opportunity to finally stargaze. I have been wanting to do this for a while now, but it is not very often I am out in an open place such as Camp Wood. And did it live up to its expectations. It was very beautiful sitting on the ground, bundled up in blankets and being encompassed by all the stars and pure silence. I haven’t heard a quiet like that in ages. The stars were so bright and you could actually see them twinkle. Yes, stars can actually twinkle. I went to bed and I laid down on my top bunk. I laid my head on my pillow and looked at the window that was just at my level and saw the moon right there reflecting over the little lake. I savored that scene and fought to keep my eyes open so I could appreciate it as many seconds as I could. Those memories will be etched in my mind forever. I can’t wait to experience something like that again. Hopefully sooner than later.

I encourage future Hornets to experience Mosaic and open your eyes just a little more to the world around you. It’s a big big world out there.

Sparkle & Shine.

Rachel