Embrace Differences: Enrich Your Life

As a college student advisor, I meet a wide variety of people.  For instance, I advise one student who moved to the Midwest from Pakistan, one student who hails from the worn-torn part of Serbia, and one student from the projects of Chicago.  Although each of these individuals has vastly different life experiences from myself, I have connected with them not only as someone who can assist with educational and career goals, but also as someone they each consider a friend.

My love of all people, including those of different religions, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds, goes back to my childhood. I have always embraced meeting those unlike myself, as there is much to be gained through interactions with those who have a different skin color or religion – or no religion for that matter.  Every new friendship can offer a new way of looking at the world, which, in turn, helps to make life that much more exciting.

People who refuse to interact with those different from themselves miss out on a lot of joy.  I can honestly say that my life has been made infinitely richer by extending the hand of friendship to all that I meet.  By doing this, I have learned about the cuisine, the music, the dance, and the gods of many cultures…and it has been fun!

One of my best memories was when I took my children to a gospel music festival. Although we were the only four caucasian people there, we felt welcomed and loved. Those in attendance gave us advice on what foods to try, and we enjoyed several hours of rousing music. The songs were nothing like our own Lutheran hymns, and that’s what made the day so special.  We learned a different way to worship our God.

For those who may be afraid to venture outside their own peer group, I want you to know that it is worth the risk.  If a person knows that you truly care about them, including their cultural background, they will accept your attempts at friendship.  Of course I have made mistakes along the way concerning cultural faux pas, but because I am willing to learn, the mistakes are always graciously overlooked.

An example of this happened when I hosted an elderly Australian couple for dinner.  I had prepared a typical American barbecue.  When we sat down to eat, I waited to for my guests to begin…and I waited…and waited.  Finally, after looking at their perplexed faces, I realized I had done something wrong.  There were no knives on the table, and they could not eat without a fork in one hand and a knife in the other!

This trivial example shows that relationships with those unlike yourself can hit tiny bumps, but these setbacks can easily be overcome.  Of course I gave my Australian guests the knives, and we ended up having a lively discussion about the differences in our countries.

So the  next time you have the chance to get to know someone unlike you, take a deep breath and grab that chance…you both will benefit!

 

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