Diveristy Statement--not sure if worth doing Forum

[StillHerexxx]

Here is my Diversity statement I threw together. Is it too long or simply not needed?

I always considered myself Italian growing up. My family always had large dinners, hugs and kisses for family members were a must, and pride in my heritage was expected. This all changed when my Grandmother died. While going through paper work my mother and aunts discovered a Brazilian birth certificate that belonged to my great grandmother. Upon further research it was discovered that my great-grandmother immigrated to the United States from Brazil. While she came here with the last name Alvarez, she eventually married into an Italian family and became a Rodelli. Unfortunately, in that time period, it was easier to be of European descent than it was to be of Hispanic—so my great grandmother hid her ethnicity. When my family discovered this, most of them were unwilling to accept this. They were Italian and nothing more, but my immediate family was different. We have embraced our Brazilian heritage and have tried to learn more about it. While my great-grandmother felt the need to hide her heritage, we have accepted it. As I grow as a person, both academically and professionally, I hope to grow and learn more about my Brazilian heritage.

[JJDancer]

The last sentence kills it.

The topic isn't a bad one though. Talk about how you learned more about your Brazilian heritage. And maybe what it was like to have the large, loving family stop being as accepting when something like this came up. Talk about what perspective this whole thing gave you.

[StillHerexxx]

Thanks, that seems like a better way to spin it. Its tough to write about, I just worry it has nothing to do with the scope of academics or overcoming anything in my life. It has been more of a learning experience and discovery process more than anything. Maybe it would be better off not doing? Also, no one has a straight answer for this, is Brazilian considered Hispanic/latino? Technically it is South American, but some people group it together, some don't.

[JJDancer]

If you feel like you are streching it, don't write it.
For the purposes of URM-ness, Brazilian counts as Hispanic in my mind.
But generally, I thought the Spanish vs. Portuguese distinction meant brazil, guyana, suriname etc (places in South America) weren't technically latino or Hispanic.

I could be wrong.

[StillHerexxx]

Yeah, thats the assumption I was always under, but some people say its Hispanic. And a number of schools keep emailing me about being Hispanic, when I have only put I am South American or Brazilian. I have talked to about 6 professors about this and what I would be considered, and they are as confused as me. Growing up I was always just European, so its really tricky, because I am technically Brazilian, but I have no clue how to categorize it on applications. Anyone else have this issue?