The theme of my life is being inclusive and accepting people for who they are. Yes, everyone is different but everyone is special and valuable in their own way. You should be proud of who you are and what you stand for.
I grew up in the diverse bubble of Shaker Heights, Ohio. Racial diversity, ethnic diversity, socioeconomic diversity—you name it—we’ve got it! My life was changed for the better because I grew up in Shaker Heights.
My high school has a group, ‘Student Group on Race Relations,’ which is comprised of students who visit elementary school classrooms to teach the younger students about prejudice, stereotypes, discrimination and equality. From a young age, I knew that I had the power to affect the lives of those around me and I intended to do something with that power. Whether I want to act on my beliefs because I’ve been doing community service for as long as I can remember, or I want to act on my beliefs because the Shaker community’s diversity hasn’t always been welcomed in proximal neighborhoods, I know that I want to do what is right.
People have different opinions of how to treat others. Personally, I disagree with those who prejudice, those who stereotype, those who bully. I want to dedicate myself to being inclusive and welcoming to everyone around me, no matter what race, class, viewpoint or background. I want people to feel comfortable in my presence. I want people to feel comfortable speaking up and being themselves. Everyone is worth something, no matter what society tries to make us believe.
It’s not about the positions I have or the titles I hold. It’s about who I am as a person. When I wake up each morning, I always decide that I want to make others feel happy and realize their worth.
Everyone has a different purpose in life. Mine is being inclusive and accepting because of the culture I grew up in. Do you know what yours is? I believe that when someone finds and defines their purpose in life, areas that used to be unclear start to take shape. Defining one’s purpose is much like defining one’s values—both should become the center of one’s actions, words and self.
For me, being inclusive and accepting people for who they are doesn’t stop with making sure everyone has someone to eat with, if they want company. Being inclusive and accepting people for who they are is building up the people around you, allowing them to embrace their role in the group and feel good about themselves. It is forming bonds with every person whom you come in contact with because you want to make sure they have someone to come to if they need support. In order to be inclusive and accept others for whom they are, you must first accept yourself.
