The Beauty of Diversity

By Ngoc Le

I used to believe that only birds of a feather can be real friends forever. For that reason, I for a while spontaneously surrounded myself with a community of friends who share similar interests, hobbies, and even dressing style. Being with them gave me a sense of security, maybe because of the fact that as we are the same, we embrace each without much disagreement and criticism.
Until when I threw myself in Beyond classroom 101. As it was the first of its kind, there was no review, no feedback, but the aspiration for self-discovering and personal development urged me to just go for it without much hesitation. Not until the first day that I realized that my decision had led me to the strangest class in my 20 years of sitting in a wide range of schools and courses. And strangest classmates as well. None of my classmates ever has nose ring, smokes, shaves her hair short, or suffers from depression for years. I have no judgement, but do I have doubts whether I can get along with them? Yes, a bunch, but just for a while.

When we are packed together to share stories, draw and journal to reflect on past experiences, it dawned on me that it was our difference that created diversity and harmony. It is similar to painting, a variety of color under artistic arrangements would contribute to the overall beauty of the master piece. Just like red brings warmth to blue, white balances the darkness of black, we complemented each other to enrich our experience and broaden our view. A girl living a cheerful, peaceful and positive life now can somehow feel others’ depression and personal, hence distinctive reactions to ups and downs. In the end, difference doesn’t necessarily create conflicts.
After all, one doesn’t need to seek for only like-minded people to be friend with. Now, if someone of unfamiliar styles, traits and mindset passes by, I will greet them to my life with eagerness to share and learn from our difference, rather than doubt and precaution. If you prefer a colorful painting rather than a mono colored one, let’s give it a try ;)