We at the University of Houston pride ourselves in the fact that we are the second most ethnically diverse campus in the United States. We come from up to 137 nations, speak dozens of languages, and have several on-campus organizations dedicated to every major religion. Simply put, UH is a perfect reflection of the nation itself in nearly every demographic - but diversity means nothing if people aren't willing to come together.

After all, if I have a box of 120 crayons, that doesn't mean shit if I only use one of them.

People-watching at UH is such a unique experience. The next time you find yourself bored with nothing to, pull up a seat anywhere and just look at the people walking by. You'll find something like a Catholic Hispanic man chatting with an atheist Vietnamese lady and a bisexual white man on their way to lunch at a Jamaican food truck. And I'm willing to bet that you'll be unfazed by this. You'll also find something like a white man chatting with few other white dudes and a couple white women. And I'm willing to bet that again, you'll be unfazed by this.

Goooo diversity!

During my first few weeks at UH, I was definitely one of those Hispanic kids you'd see hanging out with the other Hispanics. Chances are, we've all been part of a group where our friends look and think fairly similar to ourselves, which isn't bad! It's basic instinct to surround ourselves with those we can relate to, with similar backgrounds and beliefs. As a defense mechanism, we tend to avoid associating ourselves with people who hold different views on politics, religion, and more in fear of an altercation.

While that's a completely understandable position, college is the perfect place to get to know and understand those of all walks of life. With over 400 on-campus organizations dedicated to professions, cultures and recreation, it's safe to say that if you spend all of your time with people exactly like you, you are throwing away the tremendous opportunity of studying at the nation's second most ethnically diverse university.

Next semester, make it a challenge to step out of your comfort zone and attend an event held by as many organizations as you can, even if their focus doesn't apply to you! Sit in on an American Marketing Association meeting, hang out with the folks over at the Vietnamese Student Association, get your ass kicked at Super Smash Brothers by the members of Smash Club - because at the end of the day, if you're only hanging out with people who share your major, your political ideology, or even the color of your skin, you're doing this whole college thing wrong.