We should all know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color. ~Maya Angelou

Our differences should be celebrated and appreciated. Just as Maya Angelou says, we are all part of this rich tapestry; we all have value to offer the world through which we travel and in which we live.

Throughout 20 years of being an educator, I have recognized the vast diversity and colorful tapestry that make up my students, especially teaching the majority of my career at a Title I school in Los Angeles. But the beginning of my teaching career is not where I developed an appreciation for equity and diversity: From a very early age, growing up in an eclectic neighborhood and attending schools with others who were not from the suburban cookie cutter image, I did not realize that homogeneous environments of people existed. Not until I attended college, did I understand that not everyone is treated with the same social justices and is given an equal opportunity to succeed. I comprehended the differences, but not the inequities. The first year of college is when I decided to seriously pursue educating others, not only academically, but socially.

Each and every student that has crossed my path, in and out of the classroom, can attest to my commitment to celebrating diversity, including everyone, and teaching to varied learning styles. Final examinations for each class and athletic team are appropriately named, “Cultural Awareness Day,” where students are tasked with bringing a cultural item to class along with a presentation of the origins of their chosen item to be performed for their classmates. The item need not be from the student’s own culture. It is always recognized, too, that some of us identify with more than one culture, and a student’s lifestyle – gay, straight, trans – is recognized as a culture.

Throughout the year, inevitably, a “teachable moment” arises during class discussions, or seminars, where we digress from the planned lesson and turn to the discussion of diversity, inclusion, or equity. It is important to listen to the students and how they feel about what is occurring around them, including local and world current events. The entire child must be educated; this includes social growth.

My commitment to include all in the literal and figurative conversation is strong and has not deviated from the first year of college when I recognized that there, indeed, are differences in others to acknowledge, celebrate, and include in our everyday educational endeavors with students. The tapestry of our students is beautiful and makes our communities and learning environments valuable, healthy, and strong.