Expanding Awareness of Big Topics

With a goal to showcase marginalized voices, Haley Weideman ’20 added a diversity studies minor to learn about the vast array of different cultures and how best to represent them in a classroom.

MMU: Why did you decide to come to Mount Mercy? How did Mount Mercy’s values or mission line up with your own?

HW: I decided to come to Mount Mercy because I really liked the idea of being part of a small, close-knit community during college. I value the Mercy critical concerns concerns, with my focus being more on women, immigration, and racism. The value that the Sisters of Mercy put on helping the marginalized has really kept me happy with my decision choosing Mount Mercy.

MMU: What field are you going into? Why are you drawn to that field?

HW: I am going into education. I really believe in the power of literature and discussion of big topics. I think that conversations in the classroom can really change the way students think about the world.

MMU: What interested you about the diversity studies minor? How do you think you’ll use it in your career field?

HW: I have always been interested in reading and learning about different cultures. There is a lot of history that isn’t commonly taught and I was interested in learning about that. Studying diversity also opens your eyes to a lot of social inequalities that aren’t talked about. In my career, I hope to expand what’s being taught to include more marginalized voices.

MMU: What interested you about the creative writing minor? How applicable do you think the skills you’re gaining from this minor are to positions post-graduation?

HW: I think creativity is something that all employers are looking for. I have always been interested in writing fiction. Creating a whole world or story works a different part of the brain than other classes, which is why I enjoy taking Mount Mercy’s creative writing courses.

"Creating a whole world or story works a different part of the brain than other classes, which is why I enjoy taking Mount Mercy’s creative writing courses."

MMU: Was there any one club, organization, or team that you’ve been a part of throughout your time at MMU that has made an impact on you? How so?

HW: I really loved being on the Dance Marathon executive board. This was an opportunity to get involved in something much bigger than myself and help other people.

I am also a co-editor of the Paha Review. In doing this, I’ve had the chance to do a lot of editing and working with other writers to create a published piece.

MMU: What is one piece of advice you would give to future students?

HW: I would tell future students that they should value how much their instructors care about them and take advantage of how accessible they are compared to other universities. I have made strong connections with many of my professors and it’s been a great part of being at Mount Mercy.