According to the University of Edinburgh, “Diversity aims to recognise, respect and value people’s differences to contribute and realise their full potential by promoting an inclusive culture for all staff and students.” This description is of course in the words of an educational institution whose main focus is on its students and staff. Nonetheless, the meaning behind diversity is to be inclusive of all people no matter their ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, ability, age, religion, etc. Coming from Chicago, one of the most diverse but also segregated city’s within the U.S., seeing how diverse London is, in terms of each aspect mentioned above, has been decently surprising.
Diversity and being surrounded by such is very important and beneficial to one’s every day life and to society in general. Nowadays, having a variety of students in a classroom, each having their own traditions and backgrounds, is positive for various reasons. When a child is surrounded by diversity from a young age, him or her are more likely to experience and learn about things that they would not have if they were only surrounded by people similar to themselves.
Within a little over a month, it will officially be 2017. Our world in general has come a long way in terms of being well-rounded and openminded. Although racism, sexism, religious intolerance and overall bigotry still exist today (just look at America if you need an example), acceptance has improved and I personally hope that we as a universe will continue to experience progress instead of taking steps back. It’s important that in the generations to come, it isn’t unusual for two people from different backgrounds, rather that’s culture, nationality, ethnicity, religion, etc. to be civilized or to maintain some sort of relationship.
Being surrounded by diversity is the type of thing that allows people to go out of their comfort zone and to become familiar with difference and change.
On November 17th, 2016, a conference by the name of “Interfaith Summit,” was held in London. This conference, or summit, brought people together of all types of backgrounds and differences. The summit prides itself in offering “great conversations, workshops, artists, performances, and food.” It is a summit filled with people who have the intention of changing the world for the better. From poetry, song, workshops about identity, faith, refugees and other important topics, the end of the summit caused for reflection on what was learned, heard and on the connections made.
Having grown up always intrigued by diversity and constantly aiming to be surrounded by people from different backgrounds, the event only reminded me of why doing such a thing is so important and beneficial. Not only was everyone very welcoming and friendly, but when someone spoke and shared their story, they had everyone’s attention and respect. I came to the summit excited to learn something new and left with a new and improved perspective about London as well as the world in which we all live in. Despite all of the bigotry that exists, there are many people of great strength and intelligence who have plans to shut out the ignorance to benefits of diversity and change the world for better.

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