Name: Davion Chism

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Activities at Princeton: Vice President of Black Student Union, Raks Odalisque, SHARE (Sexual Harassment/Assault Advising, Resources, and Education

Before Princeton, I participated in groups that I was told would make me look appealing to admission officers at colleges. I was in Student Government, Academic Decathalon and the Math club. I was also involved in groups that all of my friends did, I did it more for them than myself. I would dare say that I was not passionate about these activities.

I grew at Princeton by meeting very diverse people. After seeing "This is Princeton" I was able to see the different organizations Princeton had to offer. From the diversity in these groups, I realized that I too could participate in whatever interested me, and not just what interested my friends. I also started taking classes on religions in the Middle East and now plan on majoring in Religion.

I supported “cross-pollination” by learning how to dance, even though I had never done it before. Now I have even signed up for regular HipHop classes for fun, something I doubt I would have done in high school. I also joined a weekly religious group although I didn’t know much at all about the Hindu religion and am learning for fun.

After reflecting on my experience at Princeton, I have learned that if something seems interesting the only way to find out is to try it. Princeton is so diverse that just because belly dancing is of Middle Eastern origin it doesnt mean that someone from Southern California cannot try it. Every organization I participate in allows me to meet more and more interesting people. There are no stereotypical people here. Everyone follows their passion, and I do too.

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