relate. Curiosity is a desire to know, which prompts us to engage in a process of inquiry. Through
this process we become more confident asking “How do you feel?” or “Tell me more about …”
Inquiry is important in many other spaces, for instance, when searching for a job. The career world
refers to this as networking. When we seek guidance or support from others, staff in student affairs
call this mentoring. We use this process of inquiry when we want to learn about other cultures. This
is called cultural competence. We also employ inquiry when we want to create change for the
common good. This is called leadership. We use this process on a first date, or commonly known as
dating (wink). I’m sure the point is sinking in. No matter what we call it, at the heart of it all, we are
constantly forming relationships.
I encourage you to maximize your curiosity. College is your time to be curious about everything and
everyone around you. In building relationships you gain so much more than a long list of contacts
on your cell phone or on Facebook. Compare all your relationships, including those you have made
through social media. Have you exchanged meaningful personal information with each other? Do
they represent the diverse world around you? Do you have trust in them? What do you gain from
them and what do you give back to them? As you think about these questions critically, you learn
more about yourself.
We encourage you to take advantage of the relationships you can form at CMASS. Visit us in Wilder
Hall to request or become a mentor, to find similarities or differences with other cultures, to support
a prospective student, get feedback on your resume or personal statement. Come utilize the
computer lab or the free graduate school study materials, or just come to relax. We assure you, we
can enhance your college experience.
- CMASS, Wilder Hall