Diversity

The diverse world is astonishingly beautiful, but many people take it for granted. Racism and judgments flood many individual's minds, which block their hearts from staying open to learning. The various languages across the world can be intimidating to think about and come in contact with when you only know your certain language. I learned a small amount of German in high-school, then went Study Abroad to five countries (Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary). It was a little scary to not know the language and semi embarrassing trying to communicate properly. I grew up in a small town where diversity was rare. I never realized the importance of diversity until I moved to Minneapolis in 2008, then especially saw the importance when I was completing study abroad. I became friends with people who didn't look or act like me. I loved every moment of it. I learned some of the differences in culture, so I no-longer see the world from only my 'American' perspective. The man who I have recently been dating is foreign and knows multiple languages. I'm extremely jealous of his travels, experiences and knowledge about diversity/the world. There are many small differences between his country and the United States that I never even thought about, such as peanut-butter & jelly sandwiches, drinking milk, school activities, mental illnesses, crimes, and hundreds more. I look forward to learning more about other people's culture and ways of living/seeing the world. Everyone of us can become more open minded to foreigners, diversity and cultures. Close-minded individuals will never grow as a well-rounded person, so open your hearts and your mind to diversity. Everyone is a foreigner to somebody.