By LaNita Weisenberger, Associate Director of Multicultural Programs
Dear Clemson,
As a child, I remember day dreaming about this place, not knowing then it would have such a prestigious name or legacy known around the world. The beautiful landscape, the history that you can almost see written on the building walls; it is still hard for me to believe you accepted me. Did you really accept me? Do you know about my love for Indian foods, my gay best friend, my dual citizenship? These are a few of the identities I have a hard time embracing and celebrating. Not because I am ashamed of them, but because they make me different from so many of the other students here. I just wanted to let you know Clemson that I am fine with being what you see as different. I am fine with embracing and celebrating every identify I embody. I love learning more about myself and others every day. I love walking from Union to Hendrix and seeing so many faces and people with the ability to uniquely craft their own “Clemson Experience” because we are Clemson. #IAMCLEMSON too! I promise from this point forward to never be ashamed of any my identities again and I encourage you to challenge others to do the same. Make sure everyone knows they’re not different, but they are Clemson!
Signed,
A student who loves self, others and our world!
P.S. The #IAMCLEMSON Project is a cultural awareness series that features prominent keynote speakers and performers from various cultural backgrounds and identities. In our efforts to create an inclusive campus environment in which everyone is able to celebrate the diversity within themselves and others, the #IAMCLEMSON Project aims to showcase the rich diversity represented throughout the campus and greater community through a unique lens. In addition, the project also serves as a means for everyone to embrace the uniquely crafted “Clemson Experience” that is their own, while grasping new and meaningful concepts about culture that will inspire and empower them to positively impact the world.
