Learn to Accept

It pains me to see people outcast from a particular group or multiple groups as a result of who they are. It only seems logical to me that those who have a hard time accepting others also have a hard time accepting themselves. I consider myself a tolerant person, but I believe that there is always room for improvement. Just as one cannot know everything there is to know about life, one cannot possess full level of tolerance.

I was once approached by a peer who was struggling to find his way because he was "different." I sat down with him and listened to his story. By the end, I was fighting back tears because I had witnessed and experienced through his words the pain he had suffered throughout his life. Many painful memories from my past flooded my body. I became weak. It is one thing to listen to and comprehend words and sentences. It is another thing to relate to one's stories through vivid and painful memories.

I was born into a Christian family, yet I do not believe in one divine power. I think that my pastor would be disappointed in me. I am okay with that. It is one difference I possess from other people. Difference is a good thing. Imagine a world without difference. How boring! We can all contribute through our differences. We are not all scientifically literate, but those of us who are can improve millions of lives through research and development. We are not all musicians, but those of us who are can heal the greatest wounds. We are not all engineers and architects, but those of us who are can design and construct glorious structures. We are not all artists, but those of us who are can take even the most mundane image or object and turn it into beauty in its purest form.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy once stated that "if we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity." One of the reasons I so looked forward to college was because I longed to become a part of the diversity that is UAlbany. I certainly diversified my "life portfolio" upon entering the doors of this great school over one year ago. Today I continue to embrace diversity. In my opinion, diversity can only be embraced through acceptance and tolerance. Acceptance and tolerance can only be achieved through education and experience. Education and experience can come in many different forms. Traveling takes on one of those forms. And so my journey to the Sun-Origin Country continues. Isn't it amazing how many facets of life can be tied into studying abroad?