<p>400 word essay for Michigan State, Briefly discuss an activity or organization that you have participated in, or are currently participating in, outside of your own cultural group</p>
<p>Ola Joseph once said, “Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another’s uniqueness.” While on a mission trip this past summer to McLaughlin, South Dakota an Indian reservation, I was placed into a world I had never experienced. I discovered what it means to embrace diversity and to welcome diversity into my life.
I taught Bible school on the reservation and many of the children spoke a language native to their land. I speak English and a little Spanish. I was at a complete loss as to what they were saying. Not only did their language vary but their way of life was completely different than what I had grown up in. Many of the families did not own a car. Everyone walked everywhere. They hosted pow-wows in the town square. A pow-wow is essentially a music festival filled with drumming, dancing, and singing. The outfits worn to the pow-wows are very elaborate, colorful, and beautiful. During the pow-wows they spend time outside admiring nature. Nature, I learned, was very important to the people of McLaughlin. Nature is something that took for granted. After this trip, I never look at a sunset, a star, or a green pasture the same. I found a new reverence for the land around me.
While in South Dakota I was given the amazing opportunity to worship in a church built by the Native men in the community. The Alter was carved from a tree trunk. It was the most beautiful display of hard work I have seen. I felt honored to be in the church. The community was sharing with us something very near and dear to their hearts. We were able to see a glimpse into the lives of these people. Imagine what would happen if everyone took more time to do this.
South Dakota was a humbling experience. I was forced to think outside of myself and experience a world I had previously been naïve about. The trip was an eye opening experience in regards to how diverse and magnificent this world is if we only take the time to explore it. I learned the value of respect and acceptance. There is beauty in diversity. The biggest lesson I have learned from this experience is that everyone is equal - race, religion, culture, or skin color make no difference. Diversity excites me.</p>