We all judge. It is simply human nature. It is part of our DNA just like the natural color of our hair. Sadly, there are many college students who have continued the trend of judgment that was started while they were in high school. We fall into our groups that we are comfortable with and never truly expand our horizons. We assume that the male or female on the corner smoking is a horrible individual and does not care about themselves. We cast judging eyes on an international student because of what we have seen in the media. We even look strangely at a fellow student who we feel is overly religious. It seems that the old saying "don't judge a book by its cover" has disappeared from our society and we are too afraid to leave our comfort zones.

Throughout my time in college I have seen this grow tremendously as each new class starts their freshmen year and, for most, it continues even into their senior year. But, what happens when we actually go against nature? Heaven forbid we get into a debate and learn something about another person because they do not share our views. Honestly, it should make us excited that we can get the chance to see the other side of a spectrum through someone else's eyes. In college, you should have a group of friends with a diverse amount of views and experiences so that you can learn something new daily.

In our judgment, we most likely do not know what another person is going through. Of course, our common reaction is, "so what, I've been through stuff too" or "I went through that as well and you do not see me acting this way." That is an example of pure selfishness. We all may go through something,but we will not have the same reactions. We have to think of others. The smoker that you cast shade against, maybe he or she is going through a situation so personal that smoking is the only moment in the day that they get a chance to get their thoughts together. They are probably defensive when it comes to their personal thoughts, but it does not hurt us to simply ask, "how are you?"

That particular international student that you see everyday in your class may be sad that they are away from their family and still embracing being in a new country. The only ideas that keep them going is the opportunity to learn more in this country, to be able to go back after they graduate and to help the people of their country. They have knowledge that you do not and they would find it enlightening to be able to speak to someone from our country about how they are feeling. This is not just an opportunity for you to gain knowledge but it is also a time for them to receive knowledge from you. Once again, we do not know unless we open our mouths and ask.

Now let us not forget about those whom we consider to be overly religious. You may be thinking, "great, he's going to speak on religion", but be aware this is not me pushing any certain one upon you since there is a plethora of them. There are people who embody their religion daily. It is a part of their lives. Of course religious views will clash. If you want to see an example, go look at controversial Facebook post and peek at the comments. Still, those who we meet that have different views, let's learn why they believe what they believe. There is always a foundation that holds the wall that someone has built around them. Remember, knowledge is power. We do not know unless we open our mouths and ask questions. Everyone has a different path that they have walked before coming to, or leaving, college and to know a multitude of backgrounds will help you in the process.

So I challenge you to speak to someone outside of your normal circle. Learn something new, expand your knowledge and make a new friend or companion in the process. If you get into an argument, do not shut them down before they are finished. Make it civil. Listen, learn, and then show them what you know based on what you have learned. Expanding your circle to greater lengths will allow you to see not just in one frame of mind, but in many. It will be hard at first but the reward of knowledge learned is truly one too great to miss.