Identify a time in your life when you experienced having to interact with someone who was different from you. (For example, different ethnicity, age, religion, or physical ability) Explain your experience. Is there anything you would have done differently?
One particular time in my life when I had to interact with someone who was different from me was during a summer internship I had in college. I was placed in a team with a coworker who was of a different religion and had different cultural beliefs than me. At first, I found it challenging to communicate effectively with this person as our points of view often clashed on certain topics.
As time went on, however, I realized that by being open-minded and respectful towards each other's beliefs, we were able to find common ground and work together cohesively. By actively listening to their perspective and asking questions to understand where they were coming from, I was able to see things from a different angle and appreciate their point of view.
Looking back, I think there are definitely things I could have done differently. I could have been more patient and understanding in the beginning when our differences seemed to create tension. I could have also made more of an effort to learn about their cultural background and beliefs so that I could have a better understanding of where they were coming from. Overall, this experience taught me the importance of respecting and valuing diversity in the workplace, as it can lead to a more enriching and productive environment for everyone involved.