Within the past week, my Senior Seminar of dance majors took a trip to NYC for a weekend trip of bonding, dance classes, and broadway shows. Living within an hour of NYC my entire life I have never enjoyed it or thought about how much goes on in the "City that never sleeps."

... but for some reason, this weekend changed my entire outlook.

It is crazy to realize that everyone has their own story and daily routine. Our human eye is so quickly to judge others and assume we know things about them just based on their outfit, who they hang out with, and even what they eat. But there is so much more to each person in this world that there is no need for judgment.

I found myself people watching as I walked endless blocks and became curious of the businessman walking swiftly with a Starbucks in his hand, the homeless man with a sad sign, the mom of five somehow navigating with a stroller and screaming toddlers; when it hit me people probably are looking at me as I scurry for food being so hungry and sweaty from a dance class. So, before you judge again, remember:

-It's ok to be curious, not judgmental
-We are all on our own Journey
-Get to know more people on a more personal level, it'll surprise you how many people are like you
-Compassion and kindness do wonders for the heart, rather than judging and gossiping

So, just remember next time you see somebody that is out of "ordinary" for you, their story might just have a few more chapters than yours and there is nothing wrong with that.