Final answer:
Nicole experienced an expanded awareness of diversity by joining a multicultural group and engaging with people from different economic backgrounds, enhancing her cultural capital and personal growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nicole, who joined a multicultural group on campus, experienced the benefit of expanded awareness of diversity. Through her engagement in extended conversations with individuals from different economic backgrounds, Nicole's understanding and appreciation of diverse experiences and perspectives have been broadened. This exposure to various cultural and economic contexts is a vital aspect of the socialization process in a college environment, where students are exposed to a plethora of new ideas, lifestyles, and worldviews. As Nicole interacts with her peers, she not only learns from them but also contributes her own experiences to the group, allowing for mutual growth and the enrichment of her own cultural capital. Caitlin's story also emphasizes the power of stepping out of one's comfort zone as a transformative experience that can lead to personal discoveries and lasting friendships.