Page 341 - Keys to College Success

statusCHECK

How Effectively Do You Communicate and Contribute as a Global Citizen?

For each statement, fill in the number that best describes how often it applies to you.
1 = never 2 = seldom 3 = sometimes 4 = often 5 = always

1. I consistently work to develop cultural competence. 1 2 3 4 5

2. I seek exposure to new and different people, ideas, and experiences. 1 2 3 4 5
3. I can adjust how I communicate to more effectively connect with others. 1 2 3 4 5

4. I am able to receive constructive criticism and use it to improve. 1 2 3 4 5
5. I understand what it means to be a “global citizen.” 1 2 3 4 5
6. I am aware that there is a variety of ways to be a leader. 1 2 3 4 5

7. I am able to motivate people toward a common goal. 1 2 3 4 5
8. When I have a vision of what is possible, I convey it effectively to others. 1 2 3 4 5

9. I keep the needs of others in mind as I make personal choices. 1 2 3 4 5
10. I feel responsible for making things better in my corner of the world. 1 2 3 4 5

Each of the topics in these statements is covered in this chapter. Note those statements for which you filled in a 3 or lower. Skim
the chapter to see where those topics appear, and pay special attention to them as you read, learn, and apply new strategies.

REMEMBER: NO MATTER HOW WELL YOU COMMUNICATE AND CONSIDER THE NEEDS OF OTHERS, YOU CAN IMPROVE WITH EFFORT AND
PRACTICE.

HOW CAN YOU GET ALONG WITH
others in a diverse world?

A century ago it was possible to live an entire lifetime surrounded only by people
from your own culture. Not so today. American society consists of people from a mul-
titude of countries and cultural backgrounds. In fact, in the 2010 census, American
citizens described themselves in terms of 63 different racial categories, compared with
only 5 in 1990. Cable television, the Internet, social networking sites, and the global
1
marketplace have increased cultural awareness.
The diversity of this country continues to increase. Recent U.S. Census data show
that as of 2011, the percentage of minority babies born in the U.S. surpassed the per-
centage of white babies. You may encounter all kinds of people in class, at work, and
2
in your daily life. You may experience diversity within your own family. Even if friends
or family members share your ethnic background, they may differ in ways such as val-
ues, lifestyle, or sexual orientation.
Diversity exists both within each person and among all people. Differences among
12 people, such as gender, skin color, ethnicity and national origin, age, and physical
characteristics, are most visible. Other less visible factors include cultural and reli-
CHAPTER 304 gious beliefs and practices, education, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, family
background, marital status, even health status (evidenced by Lauren’s experience).