Kayla McGill

Global Learning & Diversity

          Through travel. diversity, and honest exchanges, I have learned the key to promoting diversity and ensuring global learning is to recognize the efforts and contributions of all individuals.

          Travel is one of the most important ways to promote diversity and global learning. During my year and a half in China as a volunteer English teacher and supervisor, I learned that everyone wants to contribute and make a difference. I was profoundly impacted by the importance of diversity and inclusion during this time. This experience taught me to focus on individual's contributions, and examine circumstances through a cultural lens instead of fostering an 'us vs. them' mentality.

          At the Bush School, I have ensured that the Diversity & Inclusion initiative is part of my everyday life and service - focusing on a collaborative ideology. In my position as the Recruitment Chair for the Ambassadors Organization, I had the opportunity to foster lasting change through the recruitment process. In Spring 2018, I created a special committee whose job was to ensure all students had the opportunity to apply and be considered equally in the process. This meant reaching out to students who potentially would not apply to the organization, aiding students with the application process, and creating the opportunity for all voices and opinions to be heard during deliberation. I am proud that this initiative created a more diverse 2018-2019 Ambassadors Council.

          I understand the importance of diversity and global learning, and I will continue traveling, learning, and encouraging diversity and inclusion in my home, work, and social life to advance social justice.