Cultural Connections helps minority Yalies bond

What does it mean to be a Chicano, Asian-American, Puerto Rican, Native American, African-American, or other minority student at Yale?

To me, being a minority at Yale means struggling. It's not easy to straddle many cultures, linguistically or religiously. Cultural Connections, formerly known as the Pre-Registration Orientation Program (PROP), helps minority students adjust to life at Yale.

Created to facilitate discussion between students on issues of race and ethnicity, the five-day program gives incoming freshmen insight into ethnic life at Yale and helps smooth the transition between high school and college. Students are given an opportunity to meet and to bond with their ethnic counselors, who are available to answer questions and offer advice. The Cultural Connections program is distinctly different from other orientation programs because it takes place on campus. This allows participants extra time to explore Yale's academic resources and to adjust to their new environment.

Much of the Cultural Connections agenda includes speakers from different departments and programs at Yale. While Yale College Dean Richard Brodhead, BR '68, GRD '72, will remind you that you made the right decision, Chemistry Professor Iona Black will try to convince you that you were born to be a science major. Your residential college Master and Dean will assure you that your college is far superior to the other 11. The ethnic counselors will give you the lowdown on sexuality at Yale while Assistant Secretary Martha Highsmith will offer a rundown on campus security. Cultural Connections also includes opportunities to meet other Yalies through dances, a talent show, and plenty of down time for conversation.

Cultural Connections was the best experience I have had at Yale. It introduced me to the cultural houses and acquainted me with places on campus that make me feel comfortable and at home. I remember staying up until the middle of the night, chatting in the Lanman-Wright courtyard with students from all over the country. I remember crying to my ethnic counselor when I was homesick and craving my far-off City of Angels, Spanglish, Ebonics, and Pakistani food. I remember getting goose bumps watching my extraordinary classmates in the PROP Talent Show; never have I seen so much talent in one room.

Most of all, I remember being relieved that I didn't have to say goodbye to my new friends. After all, this really was just the beginning.