by Natalie Smith

Center for Faith and Vocation Communications Intern

Growing up, I attended very diverse schools. I was always surrounded by people who came from different backgrounds and looked, thought and spoke differently than I did. I thought this was a completely normal experience for anyone my age. Arriving at Butler, I quickly realized that my background in diversity was very different from my friends’ around me. I found that my best friends at Butler were used to only being around people who were similar to them. Because Butler itself lacks substantial diversity, my next four years as a student would find me where my friends had always been:  surrounded by homogeneity. Interning at the CFV this semester, however, has helped me to be reunited with the amount of diversity that I have always felt comfortable in. I’ve gotten the opportunity to work and form relationships with people of many different faiths, backgrounds and thoughts.

My favorite CFV event I participated in was leading a post-election discussion entitled: “How do we participate in patterns of injustice?” I got to witness first-hand the outpouring of support and compassion that was given to students who spoke openly about how they have faced injustices in our society. That small display of the Butler community coming together was life-affirming and is a memory that will always stay with me.

The CFV staff genuinely cares about the Butler community’s wellbeing and growth. Being around these passionate people has helped me to understand the true value in a workday. My hope for future interns is that they are able to see the benefits of diversity. I hope they can truly appreciate the CFV’s work and mission and learn something about themselves through that mission like I have.