Another thing....

I've realized throughout this semester that diversity is not just about color or ethnicity anymore. It's about your background, where you come from, even your height and weight. One of my roommates struggles with being very short and being disrespected as a teacher because she looks 12, but she's 24. My other roommate struggles with her weight, and she always talks about how "skinny people don't understand." When I heard that statement one time, I was almost offended that I was referred to as a "skinny person." I struggle with my weight just like she does--I'm just not classified as "overweight," but I'm still pudgy around the edges and could stand to lose 15 or 20 pounds.

Diversity like height and weight are differences that people don't think of as "diverse," but I think it's important to realize that sometimes these are some of the greatest differences between people. Someone of Hispanic origin may have been raised in the U.S. and doesn't speak a lick of Spanish, but they are still classified as "different" just because of their skin color; they may take the same classes, have the same personality and views, and partake in the same activities you do. However, differences like height and weight can hinder the things you have in common--someone short most likely isn't going to play basketball with all their tall friends... someone overweight probably won't go swimming with their "skinny" friends. It's important to be sensitive to these differences and be aware of how diversity affects each person in their own way.