The Gonzaga Bulletin

Issue date: 9/22/06 Section: Opinion

I am writing this piece to support the BRIDGE program in light of the perception an individual had regarding the "self-segregation" of the program. This individual articulated that the program tells students that they are different and that they should be treated differently.

In order to fully understand my and others' support of the BRIDGE program, I think it is important to understand the intention and purpose of the program. The BRIDGE pre-orientation, while specifically geared toward students of color, is open to all incoming freshmen, and participation is completely voluntary. The program is dedicated to building relationships and community among incoming students, returning students and staff.

To participate in the BRIDGE program, the students come to campus a few days before regular orientation and participate in a variety of activities and community building to form relationships. The program is set up with campus tours and workshops so that students can meet key people on campus and put a face to a name or department. This is important because many of the participants have not yet visited the campus, and this gives them the chance

to begin to feel comfortable with their

environment.

Many of Gonzaga's students of color come from communities where they are NOT the minority but, in fact, the majority. So when they come to Spokane and Gonzaga, of which both are dominated by a Caucasian majority, they have trouble adjusting to the culture and can begin feeling out of place. As a result of these feelings, the students begin to consider leaving Gonzaga. This becomes an issue because the university loses its diversity. Thus, the realization of the need for the BRIDGE program came about to aid in retention of minority students.

The BRIDGE program assists in helping students, especially minority students coming from diverse backgrounds, transition into this new community. The program operates in hopes of giving students a solid background to fall back on in their transition offered to students participating in international mission trips. An orientation/briefing of what a new situation or community is going to be like is a great asset to individuals. Imagine if students going on a mission trip to Mexico or another country weren't oriented or educated about the culture, language, rules and expectations. Would they not feel out of place, uncomfortable and afraid? Imagine if Gonzaga sent students abroad, into a new culture, where they were the minority without first giving them any sort of information or transition tips. How would students feel and act? This is very similar to the BRIDGE program and its purpose in forming relationships and giving tips for transition.

I believe that the program has done an excellent job in forming necessary relationships and building community with our minority students. Since the program's inception in August 2004, it has continued to grow and develop into a fantastic opportunity that I have been proud and honored to participate in as both an incoming freshman in 2004 and a volunteer in 2005 and 2006.

After participating in the program, I can respond to the concern regarding this issue very honestly. First of all, the program and people involved do not need to tell incoming students that they are different. They know that already from their first steps onto campus and into Spokane. Also, the fact is that we are all different as individuals.

Secondly, we, by no means, tell our students that they should be treated differently. The fact is that they are already treated differently in this community, and, if not treated differently, then, at least, thought of differently. It so happens to be the case that many students of color feel they are looked upon as "affirmative action students." Perhaps these are the issues that we should be looking at, which happen to be the issues the BRIDGE program discusses.

Overall, I think the BRIDGE program has done an excellent job of bridging the transition gap for students of color, not only between high school and college, but also between their different communities, home and school. And, let's face it, we all want school to feel somewhat like home. Otherwise, are we really happy here?

Alex Martinez is a senior at Gonzaga.

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