There are millions of people on this globe of ours, and Americans account for a fair portion of those people. It is easy to be swept up in our own affairs and our own way of doing things. Our lives are greatly enriched, however, by stretching our boundaries and learning about the world around us, and the veritable globe within our borders.
I had the enormous fortune of becoming a Resident Assistant at a university I recently attended. Life on a college campus was very different from what I had expected, and being a novice to the situation made my new responsibilities even more interesting. The hall that I was to reside in was the Honors hall, and all I had in preparation for the 15 or so girls about to come into my life were their names and room numbers. Thus began my adventure into the world outside my own little existence.
I quickly discovered that I had to maintain harmony between a reclusive and often cranky Egyptian, two Indian girls as well as Hispanics, Germans, and Americans. Interesting enough, as far as their ethnicities went, but more so, since they were equally differed in religion, as well. We had Wiccans, Hindus, Jews, Baptists and a Coptic Protestant, among others. Each girl was very unique and very outspoken in her individualism, so I wasn’t surprised to discover that my assignment to that hall was because no one else wanted it. With this potentially explosive mix, I was terrified, fueled by my own misconceptions and misunderstandings.
However, the most extraordinary things happened that year in our tiny representation of the world. Religious ideologies were shared, discussed, and debated, as were basic cultural differences. We watched Indian movies, listened to Egyptian music, and shared food hailing from a dozen countries. Each day that passed, we learned more about ourselves and each other. It turns out that my reclusive and grumpy Egyptian was won over with a song, the Indians with a place to go; and with this open door policy to my heart and mind (and room!), life was good.
There is so much in this world that we do not know. America is the greatest country in the world, and we can keep it that way by opening our minds to the world. We must follow our hearts and our traditions, but not to the exclusion of those around us. I cannot emphasize enough how enriching life is with the addition of ‘other’ cultures, nor can I keep from commenting on the changes in my own life, changes that came about because of these extraordinary women.
Leaving your comfort zone is always a challenge, but you never know just how your life might be enhanced—and all from keeping your eyes, ears and mind open—and learning of the world around you.
--Lacy Cryer, March 2004
(Editor’s note—-Bets as to who the ‘cranky Egyptian’ was...)
