Be the difference.

Marquette students are well aware of the slogan, visible virtually everywhere around campus. But how many students can actually define this mission statement?

Pam Harris can. The 20-year-old College of Arts & Sciences junior transferred to Marquette from Milwaukee Area Technical College this spring. As vice president of Marquette's chapter of the Gay/Straight Alliance, Pam believes to be the difference, you must accept the difference.

A different kind of high school angst

Pam attended Riverside University High School on Milwaukee's east side. After a close friend revealed their homosexuality, Pam and several other friends formed a Gay/Straight Alliance, which became an early lesson in tolerance.

The organization made a poster with the word "equality" in the midst of their painted handprints only to find it crumpled on the floor and covered with dirty footprints. Articles in the student newspaper included pictures of Pam and her friends, leading other students to verbally attack them.

Pam had art to get her through. She took her first drawing class in the fall of her senior year and by spring, she was the first Riverside student in four years to submit an Advanced Placement art portfolio, for which she received a 4 of 5. She graduated in spring 2001 with a goal to attend MATC and become an art teacher.

Shooting for the moon

Pam immersed herself in student life at MATC, holding leadership positions in both student government and the Rainbow Organization, MATC's version of a GSA.

At MATC, Pam, whose childhood dreams were to be "either an astronaut or a math teacher," regained her interest in math and earned associate degrees in math and art. Most people would think that sufficient to join the working world. Pam didn't.

"It was time to move on to bigger and better things," she said of her decision to attend Marquette to earn a bachelor of science in mathematics and become a teacher.

Acting out a mission statement

When Pam arrived at Marquette in January 2004, she felt out of place and full of doubt. The change in atmosphere was disconcerting.

Things improved when Pam noticed the GSA office. She began attending meetings and was elected vice president by April.

As GSA vice president, Pam works to organize educational and social events for GSA.

"She has such energy and creativity," said Christian Eichenlaub, GSA president and College of Communication senior. "She sees things from alternative perspectives, which strengthens her ability to educate."

Michael Maloney, the GSA special events coordinator and College of Arts & Sciences senior, said he appreciates her enthusiasm and her previous GSA experience.

"As soon as she came here, she dove in and asked repeatedly 'What can I do?'" he said. "She brings outside experience and new ideas to the organization."

Pam's favorite thing about GSA is the people.

"I've met people that will be friends for life," she said. "These people accept you for who you are. You don't have to put on a mask."

The role of faith

Although her Mexican heritage would suggest Pam has a Catholic background, she grew up without religion in her life.

"It has made it easier for me to be open-minded, because I don't know what it's like to have your faith conflict with what you experience," she said.

Because of Marquette's Catholic affiliation, the officially registered GSA is limited to educating students and encouraging dialogue, according to Eichenlaub. It may not be partisan or take a role of advocacy. Doing so would conflict with Catholic teachings.

"Pam has such a passion for politically-oriented issues," he said, acknowledging her struggle with the fact that GSA cannot be a politically active organization because of the university's religious affiliation.

Justice for all

At Marquette, Pam said she no longer feels the outright hate she did at high school nor the "silent hate" at MATC, where posters would disappear and the rules for student organizations weren't consistently upheld for the Rainbow Organization.

But she knows there is a long way to go, especially when she hears of people being hurt or killed because of their sexuality.

"Sometimes we feel things are getting worse, but you still have to keep fighting and make it so that everyone is safe, regardless of what differences there may be," she said.

Pam's commitment to tolerance includes her two siblings, a brother, age 14, and sister, age 9. She takes them to events like the AIDS Walk so they know there is injustice in the world.

"I want them to grow up and work toward the development of equality for all, even if the issues don't affect them personally," she said.

Equality and tolerance are of universal importance, she said.

"We all search for acceptance. We want to be liked. We want to be loved," Pam said. "When you can find a place where you are, it's a very happy place to be."