Nick Rogen gives uplifting talk at the DRC

As part of the Diversity Resource Center's Diversity Dialogue Nick Rogen, author of "A life worth living" spoke on the topic of diversity.

At first Rogen, a student at UWT, was concerned his book didn't fit into the subject of diversity, but then realized we all go through the same tribulations. 

"We're all diverse and need to respect all walks of life and culture," said Rogen. "We can be of completely different demographics but still connect as human beings."

Rogen's book talks about his hard times and about picking himself back up. He didn't think much of his book at the time but events which occurred  after its writing helped him see that we all experience similar hardships and need support.

Shortly after writing the book, Rogen did a book signing at Borders. In the book Rogen discusses growing up with a mother who was bipolar. A woman came up and spoke with Rogen at the signing and he found out she also had bipolar disorder. They were able to talk and relate about the difficulties the disorder posed. Later, this same woman e-mailed Rogen saying she tried to overdose on medicine, and as she was recovering from the incident in the hospital she found strength in Rogen's book. She found support in his words, and how to go about explaining what happened to her to her family and friends. She told Rogen his words gave her strength to keep living and get back up on her feet.

"It's not magical, I'm no different than anyone else," said Rogen. "I actually hated the book for all the errors. It's just this crappy book, and yet here it saved someone's life."

At the Dialogue, Rogen emphasized we are all humans; even if we are culturally different we still have the same problems to deal with.

"Although I know different cultured people, we have the same struggles," said Rogen. "It's about falling down over and over in life, but picking yourself back up."

Rogen explained that it's all okay, as long as you have support.

"Get support and accept it," said Rogen.

Adding to the event, Jo Enscoe, associate director for the DRC, said a few words. She read Rogen's book and found it inspiring that he touched her life, and that he's touched others.

"You never know when someone will come in and out of your life that will touch you," said Enscoe.

Rogen went on to encourage the audience to experience life to the fullest, to not to be afraid of falling down just as long as you get back up, and to use your support.

"Take what you get and make something of it. For most things in life there is no reason to go 80 percent and then turn back. You need to go 100 percent and not look back," said Rogen. "You can fail horribly but at least you tried."