What makes people different?

When I was in elementary school I could recognize that people were different. The main differences I noticed were basic differences: “We have different colored glasses,” “She is shorter than me,” “Her favorite color is green and mine is pink.” They were simple differences and never conflicted with my own beliefs; therefore, they didn’t keep me from making new friends or meeting new people.

In Middle School, I could still recognize that people were different. However, the main differences I noticed shifted to appearance based differences: “She has Miss Me Jeans and I don’t,” “She’s wears make up and Marissa and I don’t,” “She doesn’t have colors on her braces but I do.” While appearance based differences are based solely on what you see on the outside, the want to fit in made it difficult to brush these differences to the side. Therefore, these differences did have an effect on who I would talk to or even be friends with.

In high school the differences I noticed once again changed. The main differences I noticed at this time were moral and belief based differences or cultural differences. “She’s not motivated and I spend hours on homework.” “He is from Somalia and I am from Minot, North Dakota.” “They go to parties and I do not.” Therefore, once again, these differences did have an effect on who I would be friends with.

Now, as I reflect upon all of these, I realize something: differences are most often perception based. The differences you notice reflect the experiences you have had, the places you’ve gone, the people you’ve met, etc.

While the differences I noticed were not the sole influence of my friendships, they did have an effect. Four years later, after studying abroad, and attending a University, I know that the main differences I notice have once again changed.

Most importantly, as I grow older and continue to meet more people, I realize that differences between people do not have to create barriers.

Therefore, it’s important to acknowledge that differences are just that, differences. While some people might have a different favorite color, be a different height, come from different backgrounds, have more money, have different skin tone, come from a different country, we are all still people.

Regardless of any language barrier or any apparent differences there are a number of things that still connect all people. Aside from common interests and similar experiences, all people want to be loved, desire knowledge, appreciate human connection, and most importantly, are special.

Humans are different and humans are diverse, but most important humans are beautiful and the connections that we make are what decide our path in life. Be kind and accepting to those whom are different from you, we are a lot more similar than what meets the eye.

As Audre Lorde says, “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”