North Vegas Times

A reading program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is hoping to inspire students to examine common prejudice experiences from one book.

According to a university news release, in the Common Read program, four students read "Tell Me Who You Are" by Priya Vulchi and Winona Guo, and then listened to the authors speak at Creates.

“I think a lot of people can only ignore race, gender, or sexuality-based discrimination because they do not personally experience it or have never seen someone else experience it and understood what it was,” English major Rebecca Croswhite said in the release. “This book, 'Tell Me Who You Are,' has so many stories from so many people across the country that those who read it cannot ignore the facts of prejudice and injustice laid out for them.”

The students also spoke at the forum about how the book affected them, each sharing a unique experience.  

“My story stripped down to its barest simplicity, is not uncommon," Croswhite said. "The high-achiever from high school going to their local college, being a commuter student, not having an exact plan for the future, etc. — these are things that many of my peers might be able to relate to. At the very least, my story can show people that they are not alone in their struggles.”

Croswhite says that the school is a very diverse campus, and it’s critical to understand that students come from all walks of life.

“This book gives a personal look into some diverse backgrounds, which may help people realize the vast spectrum of diversity and help them to develop compassion and empathy toward those who do not share many, or any, of the same experiences they have,” she said.