The author grew up in a small town where they were exposed to both conservative "townie" and more liberal college cultures through their parents' jobs and dual enrollment classes. They have learned to navigate the differences by listening respectfully to various viewpoints rather than dismissing others. The author believes bringing mutual respect to discussions, regardless of opinions, can help find common ground and make communities more open and welcoming of differences.

1. Prompt: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they
believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please
share your story.
I grew up in the small town of Huntingdon, located in Central Pennsylvania. Huntingdon
is home to Juniata College, where both my parents work and where I have taken dual enrollment
classes during my sophomore, junior, and senior years. Because of my link to Juniata, I have
lived in two different social worlds that intermingle and sometimes clash. I noticed a vast
difference in town life versus college life. Many of the “townies” are far more conservative,
while the “Juniatians” are more liberal.
I experience many differences between these two worlds on a daily basis. Many
of the students in my high school are extreme conservatives. Juniata’s population is perceived to
be dominated by “hippie liberals,” as they are called by my high school peers. In school I am
often stereotyped as a “hippie liberal” because of my beliefs and have a difficult time talking to
some conservatives; due to lack of respect, they either choose to interpret what I’ve said
negatively or disregard what I say completely. Juniata students do the same thing. When I reveal
that I am a high schooler, the students often assume I am a conservative and therefore
uncultured.
My parents raised me to see the world with open eyes. They allowed me to form my own
political and religious opinions, but to never view my beliefs as superior to others’. I was taught
to listen to those I talk with and to understand their outlook on life, whether different from or
similar to mine. Because of my upbringing, I have forged a bridge connecting these two worlds
of glaring differences. Both sides have formed set opinions about controversial topics and often

2. argue blindly with those holding differing views. I have walked across this “bridge” many times
and learned how to navigate difficult conversations as well as help others understand why
someone’s opinions are different.
An example of this is the divisiveness of the debate on gun control. If a “liberal” brings
up gun control the “conservatives” immediately tell them, “You can’t take my guns away from
me!” even though that was not the liberal’s intent. Most often the liberal wants to point out that it
should be harder to receive a gun license and that guns should be kept safely locked away. Here
is the challenge of misunderstanding and disregarding each other’s beliefs.
Bridging these two worlds, I have learned how to listen to others, how to respectfully talk
about my views, and how to mediate conflicts. I have deepened my understanding of why we
disagree and why it should not divide us. I am able to communicate with more people because I
go into these conversations with respect for each person. Our biggest issue as a society is
disregarding those with different viewpoints because we believe they are “incorrect” and
therefore do not give them the basic respect they deserve as human beings. If everyone went into
conversations with respect for the other person’s opinions and with an open mind, we could find
more common ground. We need to focus not on who is right and who is wrong, but on what is
best for us as a whole community.
Most people think that growing up in a small town does not offer one much, but I am
grateful that I have been able to grow up in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, where two seemingly
contrasting worlds meet. I have been gifted with countless learning opportunities to grow as an
individual and to see the world from different perspectives. Despite how hard it can be to respect
someone with whom I disagree, I believe it is the first step to creating a world that is more open

3. and welcoming of all our differences. In college, I will take this lesson of mutual respect with me
as I continue to work toward creating spaces for open and engaging conversations.