Essay On Oak Hill Diversity

Oak Hill is a small Appalachian village in southeastern Ohio. Although Oak Hill is a small, quiet community, it lacks diversity in its population. Ninety one percent of the nearly 1600 people, living in Oak Hill, are Caucasian and 100 percent live in a rural setting. Growing up, in the Oak Hill community, had a major impact on how I see equity, inclusion, and diversity. I began school, in the only available district, with about 100 classmates and my graduating class is about the same size. The faces and names of my classmates did not change much. Having such a small class, we know each other well and often, we know each other’s parents and grandparents. Going to school for thirteen years, with the same people, created an environment of equity and …show more content…
The values my parents have instilled in me that everyone should be treated as equals and with respect will help me promote ODI’s mission. Oak Hill High School is in session 180 days a year like every other school district in Ohio. While many of these other districts may offer up to 40 advanced placement (AP) courses, Oak Hill High School offers only six AP courses. Feeling unprepared for higher education, I participated in a program called College Credit Plus (CCP). CCP has helped to enrich my education and to expose me to a more diverse population. The nearby community college, that I attend, encourages students from other countries to enroll, which allowed me to meet new people and learn about other cultures. My willingness to learn and to accept new ideas will allow me to make new friends and to promote diversity in my future community. Only fourteen percent of the people living in Oak Hill have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Unfortunately, the deficiency in educational opportunities and the shortage of business and industry has led to many of my peers living in poverty. Poverty, in the Appalachia area, has created the need for volunteerism. Starting at the age of ten, I have worked at our local