The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College community places an importance on spreading diversity around campus. This is done by hosting international students and students of all ethnic backgrounds. The Woods newspaper is doing its part to help spread diversity among the community with a new project.
After fall break The Woods newspaper photographers. Annie Jones and Colleen Daum, will be doing a photo shoot that will focus on spreading diversity. We will be calling for people of all shapes, ethnicities, and types to participate. There will be numerous opportunities for different types of photos, with as many people as you can get together. Or if you want it to be just you, that’s fine as well!
Along with the photo shoot, The Woods will be running a special feature on spreading diversity. Sparked by an idea last year, we have decided to make everyone aware of the unique people we have on campus. The story will be titled “I am…” Basically, we are inviting anyone who has been judged or targeted because of one aspect of their life to participate. Maybe it’s their religion, their gender, their style, or their background. Whatever it is, we’re interested in hearing your story.
You will be able to write your own article, or if you want your story told and just don’t think you can write it yourself a staff member can help you! Don’t let a fear of writing stop your story from being heard! If you’ve got a certain instance or event that shows discrimination based on only a single aspect of who you are, feel free to share it.
No one should be classified or discriminated against based on just one part of who they are. The Woods newspaper wants to show the community that it is full of people that aren’t just what they may seem. They aren’t just women. They aren’t just Catholics. They aren’t just Hispanic or African American. We are all more than what meets the eye, so let everyone know just who you are!
We are also encouraging anyone that writes an article to participate in the photo shoot; however, it isn’t necessary because we all know some people are just camera shy!
For more information on the photo shoot and the story idea, feel free to email me at DLong@smwc.edu. If you have any questions about this project, don’t hesitate to ask!

Danya Long, diversity, editors' note, Jade Scott, oct. 4