I believe the world needs to change in so many different ways, it truly is astounding to me. It's been a great first month here at Saint Mary's, but it's also been very challenging. College is hard; there are a lot more responsibilities, but that's not the kind of challenge I'm referring to. What is challenging and sort of surprising to me is how little people actually know about diversity. Diversity is defined in the dictionary as follows: the state of having people who are different races or who have different cultures in a group or organization.

I have Cerebral Palsy, a physical disability that prevents me from walking without assistance and this is how I feel diversity:

I do not believe that this is a correct definition; I believe diversity is much more than just race or ethnicity. It is about accepting the things that make people who they are. There is no other you on this earth. That being said, why can't diversity mean accepting that other people are different in more ways than one?

There are a lot of things I have to deal with but one of the more irritating things is the stares I get from people as if they've never seen anyone who is just a little different. There is also being talked down to or being talked to like a baby. Little known fact: I happen to be 18 years old, not five.

One of the things I've noticed here is that people are kind of awkward around me like they don't know what to say or how to act. I'm a normal person who is just a little bit different. You can ask me what happened and you can be my friend. I'm not contagious.

Another thing that I want to address, girls are nice enough to help me around campus on occasion, but I've noticed that every time I try to make conversation it always ends the same way: let me know if you ever need help.

Here's another fact: I don't need help all the time, sometimes I just need a friend.

SMC values diversity, but I feel they need to learn a little bit more about it and so does everyone else.

I would define diversity as the University of Oregon describes it: "The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual."

Now do me a favor and read that last sentence again. Respond to it either in the comments or to yourself.

Thanks to whoever is reading this, and be kind.