“Diversity is one true thing we have in common.”

We are raised on the same principles and morals as those who raise us and those we surround ourselves with. And evidently, it’s uncontrollable whom you grew up with, where you were born, and how you were raised; but the truthful gist that you shape into a person by those you resonate with is undoubtedly accurate.

Breaking down to the group of kids you used to play with everyday, to whom you sat around at the lunch table, extending to the words your parents instilled in you; these are just some prominent factors and reasons why we are grounded in what we believe in and how we convey the world and issues.

We retain information and not only hold, but also share our views, values, and beliefs from how we were taught and how we were raised. That’s just how we process in developing into the person and character we are today.

I grew up in a cross-cultural community that was immensely diverse. People within my community came from all kinds of various backgrounds, religions, ethnicities, races, and cultures. It was a colorful and vibrant blend that went unnoticed. It was a content nature and environment that embraced difference.

Personally, I believe that being exposed to culture gives you a better insight and understanding of others and how society actually is and how realistic some settings are.

Through sports, I was given the opportunity to experience an upper-class culture where my teammates came from the suburbs; a place I was unfamiliar with. But I spent countless years around those kids, and realized a lot. Those flip-flop life experiences from growing up in a metro neighborhood, but spending my weekends traveling the Midwest with my “better off” teammates have taught me many valuable lessons and ideals I will hold wherever I go. Where we come from molds the person we eventually become. How we are rooted as a person translates to our own personal views and beliefs we hold dearly.

You have a more critical understanding and viewpoint of the world.

As a human, you learn to appreciate and respect other traditions, cultures, and lifestyles. On a personal level, you not only witness but also experience the wealth, the impoverishment, and the variety of other people’s lives. It’s not “weird” for others to live their own traditions and culture; it’s different to others because it’s not what they are normally exposed to. That’s why the aspects of cultural exposure are intensely beneficial to our society.

The world is diversely beautiful, and you comprehend that in a more realistic way than others.

Someone coming from your cookie-cutter school compared to those who diverge from a more urbanized, diverse school and community challenges the realistic situations of life, as well as expectations the world faces today. Too often we hear of misconceptions and misrepresentations of other cultures and races, creating mistrust and stereotypes that carry on with that person wherever they go. But you understand that those who aren’t used to being around diversity may have their false impressions. Let it be your duty to inform those who are not and fight the misperceptions others carry.

You value the difference within people

The first step to truly respecting and appreciating is recognizing. Being exposed to other nationalities, ethnicities, cultures, and races gives you the opportunity to wholeheartedly value the different viewpoints, lifestyles, attitudes, and experiences of other people. You gain a fresh perception of those you encounter through experiences around it.

Cultural encounters and experiences enhance the meaning of life and character

Diversity is a unique difference that we should embrace and take pride in. You learn to accept other perspectives and attain a sense of understanding for other backgrounds and practices. Diversity teaches you a lesson that being culturally aware is vital in our multicultural society we live in today.

You can’t blame people for having pre-judgments of others; they haven’t experienced or witnessed what you have

Forgive those who hold certain attitudes towards other races, cultures, and backgrounds. Don’t put others at fault for being unaware and uneducated. Those who grew up in a non-diverse community may have pre-judgments and ignorant criticism, but instead, we should enlighten and teach others how to become more accepting and immerse them in different cultures and lifestyles.

Celebrate plurality with pride

Too often I hear and witness many misconceptions and judgment regarding other races and cultures. It should be our civil duty to unite everyone as one. Let’s celebrate plurality, together.