College isn’t just about gaining job skills; it’s also about broadening your perspectives and worldviews.

I recently had to step out of my usual day to day procedures for an assignment in a journalism class called “Being the Other.”

Everyone in the class had to attend an event where they would be out of place, turn heads and, in some cases, even make themselves uncomfortable.

While my visit to Murph-Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church – which has a predominantly black community – was initially daunting, I came out of the experience with new friends and a new home on Sunday mornings.

I met people who lived in surrounding neighborhoods who I never spoke to. Their stories were surprisingly not too different from people in my own church. They too loved God and chose to relay that love with service to their community.

“I’ve been here since 1985,” said church member Laverne Smith. “It’s a small church but we use the space wisely.”

I couldn’t have concurred more with Smith. While the service was longer than the Catholic mass I was used to, it went by quickly as is typical with fun experiences.

The sermon by Rev. Freda Cash was poignant and passionate. The band and choir were in full form, and it was the only time in my life I’ve ever heard a drum solo inside a place of worship.

Rev. Freda Cash even called me out during the service, stepped down from the altar and gave me a hug; hospitality delivered so well it almost assured I’d be back at least a few more Sundays.

Sometimes we’re pushed into uncomfortable situations without any prep.

“When I was in first grade most of my classmates were like me [hispanic],” said computer science major Jose Gayton. “All the way through fifth grade my class became more and more diverse, and I was able to adapt to new ideas and people.”

Government major Kyle Durham is a classmate of mine who had an eye opening experience “being the other.”

“I was surprised by the number of people who approached me and introduced themselves,” said Durham about his visit to a Cambodian church in Long Beach. “I fully expected to be treated as an outcast, and it was the exact opposite. People are generally open and willing to share their beliefs and experiences.”

Prof. Dugan wants more people to get out of their comfort zones, which is one of the main reasons she assigns the “Being the Other” assignment.

“I want students to be accepting of uncomfortableness,” Dugan said. “It helps foster better understanding. It also makes us better people, and helps give us gain the ability to empathize.”

Getting out of your comfort zone may not be easy, but it can lead to learning that can’t be found in any textbook.

Sure, you may not be receiving class credit, but you will come away a better person than you did before.