Hugh N. Boyd Journalism Diversity Workshop
Monmouth University, New Jersey

Sharon Kim
Bergen County Academies
Fort Lee, NJ

It's hard to describe the experience I had at the Hugh N. Boyd Journalism Diversity Workshop with words.

Simply because it was just too good. Just too amazing. Just too memorable.

We are−like the title of our newspaper−the mosaic, a myriad of cultures, ethnicities, races, skin color, and personalities. Every single person brought a different element to the table that made the group so unique. I will always remember the late night talks about religion and discrimination−the deep discussions about the difficulties we have to face as young adults. I will remember the discussions in the classroom about diversity−the power of the individual.

I will remember the everlasting bonds we made as we reluctantly attended basketball and baseball games. I can assure you that I now am quite the expert on Orthodox Jewish traditions. I can also tell you quite a lot about Trenton, New Jersey, and show you how to dance the "Perkalator" and "Walk it Out." I have been the witness of an amazing singer who was humble enough to hide his talents until the very last few days. I have heard the Polish anthem, and I can assure you that it is the prettiest song I have ever heard (Believe me, the girl who sang it is pretty too−both inside and outside). Or maybe I'll delve into the topics of Harry Potter with a Potterholic who read the whole book in two days and cry for the end of my childhood.

As I wipe the tears from my face, I will tell you about the Resident Advisors and the teachers who have made our goals possible. We made a newspaper against all odds−twenty pages of our struggles and effort. Twenty pages of triumph and victory. The teachers and editors were amazing as they helped us pursue our passions. I will cherish the times when I thanked God for the warm moments I had with everyone at the workshop. This journey−these two short weeks−is another milestone in my life. But, this experience was a bit different than all those in the past. This was when I was able to connect with so many various people around me. This was the first time I was able to say "I'm Asian, and I'm proud."

My parents keep asking me: "What did you learn?"

It's a long and complicated answer−simply because there was so much that happened in the two weeks at Monmouth University. But, I can assure that each event brought introspection into my life.

I learned to accept people as who they are. First impressions and the surface do not matter; therefore, they should not be the standards of judgment. Rather, it is the inside−the core of the individual that makes all of us human. We are unique. We all know that; the key, therefore, is to be able to acknowledge these differences with a whole heart and mind.

I learned to fight for my dreams. Everyone pushed me to participate−to be able to stand up for my beliefs and defend the experiences that I have had. I learned to be prouder of myself. As I formed bonds with people around me, I have learned to accept myself with my flaws.

I learned that I am Sharon Kim. I have weaknesses. But, I also realized that all these imperfections make me stronger, especially when there are people who encouraged me to "get out of my comfort zone."

I came back from this trip with the answer I was looking for in the early morning of July 15, 2007. As I remember on that day of how I did not want to attend this trip, I am amazed. I am awed by the transformations I have undergone with the people who have pushed me to go even further than I had ever expected. Sorry for the cliché, but we made the impossible possible.

To end on a familiar note with Dr. Seuss, "Don't cry because it ended" (although I'm trying my hardest to keep tears from trickling down my face). "Smile because it happened."