by Shirley Zhang
I am a senior student majoring in Biology at Emory College. I aspire to pursue a career in healthcare, and I value and appreciate the differences between people.
“Go back to China!” To this day, I remember the moment I was roared at for having a language barrier. I was eight years old, “fresh off the boat” from China, browsing through stacks of books in the public library when a teen boy approached me with a question.
I stood in silence, largely unaware of what was happening because I couldn’t comprehend him. Before my apologies could slip out of my mouth, I was verbally attacked. For a long period of time, I avoided conversation, knowing that the others would not understand me. I was careful not to look at anyone in the eye, nor impose myself on any groups. If I could return to that moment, I would have told him how such insults get to the bottom of an individual’s heart.
We often think of diversity in terms of race or ethnicity. When we speak of diversity, we usually refer to a concept of multiculturalism. But diversity can extend beyond this definition. I believe in diversity, in the form of culture, identity, socioeconomic background, as well as values, personality, and opinion. I believe in the diversification of anything that contributes to an individual’s unique experience of living. It can be surface-level differences that distinguish us, or deep-level attributes that are less observable but affect how we behave. Embracing cultural diversity will allow us to recognize and respect other ways of living, while exploring other ideas, beliefs, and opinions with an open mind will allow us to see the world through different lenses.
In 2016, my hometown in Vancouver gained an influx of refugees from the Syrian Civil War. I remember hearing opposing comments, and seeing protests against the admission of these migrants. Many people feared the intake of religious extremists, and even my parents were concerned about the safety of our community. Confused by the ongoing debates, I didn’t know how to take a stand. But not for long, my position about the issue quickly changed.
As a part of a school project, I helped a 17-year-old girl who came to Vancouver with her six sisters, two brothers, and parents settle down. In the face of hardships, rejection, and discrimination, she showed no cynicism but was determined to control her own future. Despite the language barrier, she wasn’t afraid to speak up in class and present her views. She openly shared her experiences and values, which shed a light on me and brought me new perspectives. We have been friends to this day, and she is now employed as a social worker helping others in positions she was once in. I believe that diversity is empowering. That it leads to productivity, perspective, and a richer life experience. Bringing thoughts from people of various backgrounds and life experiences can generate novel ideas. Thinking about problems from another person’s perspective can lead to changes in mindset and innovative solutions. To celebrate rather than just tolerate the differences will allow us to facilitate acceptance, and diminish the prejudice that fuel discrimination and violence. Together, our differences lead to productive innovations, solutions to problems from different perspectives, and stronger communities.
