Celebrating the “d” word

The other day, I exchanged messages with a co-worker of mine after almost a decade.   She and I enjoyed reconnecting & hearing about each other’s lives and how they had unfolded, from the young adults we had once been.

We remarked on the diversity of our backgrounds:  she grew up in Wichita, Kansas; I grew up in South Jersey.  She and I were different nationalities. We had different educational backgrounds.   We even had different color hair.   And still, after only having worked together for 1-2 years, we were still friends who stayed in touch, even after 24 years.

But more than friends, I knew we had impacted each other.   We changed our own perspectives because of what we learned from the other person.   That is the beauty of diversity…it’s another point of view.

When we work with others that are “different,” it gives us a broader view of our world.    And I don’t just mean religious or cultural diversity, but socio-economic and regional diversity as well.   Having grown up in the (comparatively) tiny state of NJ, I’m always miffed when someone immediately thinks of all of New Jersey as the backdrop for The Sopranos, because South Jersey is nothing like that!

Everything plays a factor in creating the people we become.  The way we were brought up, from our clothes to our surroundings to the values that our families taught us, and the foods that we ate.

I am an American girl, whose heritage is Indian.  I am the daughter of a Hindu priest but went to Catholic school until 6^th grade, and then moved to a primarily Jewish neighborhood thru high school.  Though I lived in NJ for most of my life, my husband and I have raised our own children mainly in Texas.  My unique perspective is mine alone, just like yours is to you.

We then bring that one-of-a-kind experience to our jobs & our lives. Each person brings something distinct to the table. Embracing that diversity will supercharge us!

Let’s welcome it. Let’s do more to engage with folks from another part of town or even just another department. Let’s gather different perspectives as we would gather pearls of wisdom. Let’s celebrate a new holiday because it’s unknown. Let’s try South African food on Italian food night for a change.

Let’s ask (different) people how they feel about something before we are quick to jump in with our opinions. Let’s welcome diversity as the opportunity to learn, to broaden our own horizons and to augment our own awareness. It has plenty to offer!