Awakard, please.

Last week was one of the most awkward and uncomfortable weeks of the semester. And I loved it. Thanks to my classes, I was forced to immerse myself in situations that made me the minority. I was surrounded by people and ideas I didn’t understand. And for a know-it-all like me, that was painful. But I learned. And that’s my favorite thing to do.
My fish-out-of-water experiences began with my service-learning project at Gladstone High School. For one of my journalism classes, we help advise the yearbook staff at Gladstone. I was not sure how I’d be received since my background is obviously so much different than my Latino students. What was I to share with them? But then it hit me; maybe these girls had something to teach me, too. Afterall, one of the girls in my group is a 16 year old mother who not only goes to school but it also involved in a medical assistant training program. Talk about a lesson in responsibility. I walked away from my visit so excited for the reciprocal learning that I’m sure is to come in the next six weeks.
Next up, I had to attend a campus event that was sponsored by a group different than my own ethnicity. So I decided on a Black Student Awareness meeting. I’ll be honest... I was terrified. Growing up in a white upper middle class suburb, I’ve had limited exposure to the African American culture. Sure, I’ve spent the last three summers in South Africa, but that’s completely different culture. Coming into the meeting, I wasn’t sure how I would be received. And I wasn’t sure how to act. Should I just be quite and observe? Well that might come off like I don’t care. Should I participate? But who am I to offer anything to their discussion? I don’t want to be offensive.
During the meeting we discussed issues facing black youth. I attentively listened to the black students share their own personal experiences. I was intrigued. I wanted to ask so many questions but tried to stay on the conservative side of annoying. I left the meeting feeling so inspired. Here was a group of people taking an active stand on something they cared deeply about. I continued to think about the meeting throughout the next day. Their passion caught my curiosity. I think I’m going back.
I ended my week of week of awkward at a prayer service at a Muslim mosque. Talk about being nervous. I had prepared all week but still had no idea what to expect. I sat bright eyed, with my head covered, on the floor in the back. I took it all in in awe. The simplicity and sanctity of the service was touching. For the first time, I saw Muslims as people of faith, not hate. I had been so quick to generalize that I had never taken the chance to see them through any eyes but those tainted with judgment.
I left all of these events wanting more. I have so much to learn. And the know-it-all in me wants learn it all now. Some things can only be learned with experience. But why not jump-start that learning by actively pursuing those experiences?
The uncomfortable was well worth it. I hope I never get to a place where things are comfortable. Because that's when I stop learning. And that’s just boring. So bring on the awkward.

quotes, anyone?

I’m a quote person. I’m just fascinated by what other people have to say. Maybe that makes me a people person. Regardless, I was in intrigued by a quote I recently read by J. Ferrante.
“Insight into everyday behavior comes from contrast. When people are exposed to different ways of thinking and behaving, they learn not only about another way of life, but they gain important insights about their own ways.”
I remember the first time I was truly exposed to a different way of thinking. It was July 31, 2004. I had just retrieved by bags and was pulling out of the Cape Town International airport. I was maybe the closest I’ve even been to a heart attack. We were making a left turn on a red stoplight. I let out a squeal and braced myself for the impact however when I opened my eyes, we were just fine. Our driver and some “veterans” on the team laughed. I was made aware that they drive on the wrong side of the road in Africa.
Wait. The wrong side? No, just the different side.
It’s amazing how quick we are to deem our way the “right” way. But what’s even more amazing is when we discover our way isn’t the only way. That sudden epiphany that Wow, they do it differently and it works too is an invaluable lesson that is often learned by exposure to contrast.
So, how do we add contrast to our lives? Look around.
Diversity has been a hot topic on campus recently. Our university is purposely striving for contrast. Differing views cultivate discussion. When we listen to what others have to say, we learn a little bit more about humanity. Again, maybe that’s why I love quotes.
Last week I was sitting on Cougar Walk struggling to focus on “The Xenophobe’s Guide to the Americans” and found myself watching the swarm of students pass by. I noticed, excuse the cliché, a rainbow of students. I heard some sort of Mandarin language. I listened to some black students talk about what seemed like an exciting BSA meeting from the night before. And next to me sat my fascinating friend from the Middle East and my spunky Chicago native roommate who I still cannot understand at times due to her thick Mid-Western twang.
So where is your contrast?
We don’t have to travel far to find others from different backgrounds and different opinions. I encourage you this week to take some time and chat with someone different than you. Find out why they do things the way they do. You’ll be surprised, you might just become a quotes person, too.