Insight

I grew up in Southern California, where diversity is a natural and beautiful aspect of living. I'll admit that living in a more . . . shall we say neutral environment has made me increasingly nostalgic for my dear little town. At my high school, as a caucasian, I was in the minority; and you know what-I loved it. I miss it. I'll admit it's rather a strange thing to "miss," per say. But the dearth of my current surroundings have brought me to an absolute appreciation for how blessed I was for the exposure to different cultures that I firmly believe contributed to my personal development.

Recently I was pondering on how it got started. I recognize that other nations are certainly diverse, but because America sprouted out of an idea as opposed to a common religion, nationality, or seizure of circumstance, her people can claim a different kind of unity, one that I believe transcends divisions more easily.

America's doors were open, and thus this nation was flooded by so many different kinds of people, but they were all united in their yearning for freedom and liberty. What a beautiful notion that is. But it is also essential to remember that some came here involuntarily. So many millions of black Africans were uprooted and brought to the United States. What a horrific ordeal that was. I shudder to think of it. But an amazing thing happened-the fervor of liberty spread to these slaves. Not only that, but hope and faith in God was also brought to these individuals. Thus all of America was embraced by the notion of liberty and it currently strives to remain there.

And so today, we are all here-every beautiful shade and belief and culture is represented, and what a great thing that is. The history of this nation is by no means without gross mistakes and some utter failings, but how grateful I am that all of that hardship has contributed to an amazing history that allows all people the chance at liberty. As for my love of diversity, I am filled with gratitude that I have the chance to be a beneficiary of all that went into establishing this great country.