#6: Volunteer in or join an organization or get involved in a group comprised of people who are significantly different than you

11/10/08 - Multicultural Monday

Last Monday, I attended a group called Multicultural Monday and ate lunch with a variety of people who were interested in hearing about a couple of cultural topics. I had heard of this gathering in the past, and finally decided that I wanted to go one day. I'm thankful that I did, as I heard about different events that have taken place and heard different views from many of my peers here at school.

The first topic that was discussed was a class last May term called "Borderlands". Two students who had been on the trip talked about their experiences and how this up-close view of our national borders impacted their views. The class traveled to the Mexico/US border for three weeks and had many interactions with the local people in that area. They spoke with patrol officers and local government officials who gave insight into the complicated topic of border control. Last year I had heard about this May term class and thought it would be interesting. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that this would be a topic at Multicultural Monday, and was very interested in the stories that the two students shared with our group. Hearing about their daily experiences with locals and hearing first-hand stories and opinions made me more interested in making sure I'm up to date on the state of the southwest.

The second topic was that of Damascus Road, which is a weekend dedicated to training on cultural acceptance. We heard stories from two individuals who attended the training and heard how they were impacted by the different meetings or group activities they were part of. I was intrigued by the diversity that the individuals said was present and was curious about how my personal experience would be. I was more curious about the discussions that came up about different feelings from the majority group (white) and minority groups. After hearing about these discussions, I decided that the next time this even comes around I would like to take part in it. For most of my life, I have lived in a very white populated area, and coming to Goshen was a great experience. I would like to continue having discussions about culture with people who are very different from me, and think that Damascus Road would be a great opportunity.

The third topic was the Day of the Dead ceremony, and we heard from several people about the ways that this ceremony differs from the traditions here in the US. It was nice to have people clarify the traditions as well as discuss the ways that the Day of the Dead holiday varies between the countries in Central and South America, even though it's the same holiday.

This Multicultural Monday group was an interesting time of discussion and I'm pleased that I decided to go. While it wasn't a huge event, it was an amount of time dedicated to discussing culture and ways we can go about being more accepting of others. It's these little times that I find are most important, especially among smaller groups. As I've been part of these groups, I've realized their importance in my mind, and look forward to finding ways to make them present in my future math classrooms.

12/10/08 - Quiet interaction with the Amish

This semester, I have become quite fond of, for lack of a better word, watching the Amish when I am at Wal-Mart or even driving down the road. Though I have limited interaction with them, I am very interested in their lifestyle. The simplicity of it all amazes me, and I always end these "interactions" with a smile on my face as I reflect on the passive way of living.

Most of my "interactions" take place at Wal-Mart, of all possible places. The horse and buggies are the first vehicles I notice when looking for an empty parking space. As I enter the store, I see several families, and watch as they generally work their way through the "Health & Beauty" section of the store. I figure that this is because they usually buy their clothes, food, etc. elsewhere that coincides with their lifestyle. When I am around them, I am very aware that I don't stare, but I do like to take notice of their interactions with each other. I notice that they really don't interact with other non-Amish shoppers, and generally keep to themselves. I think what I notice most about them when I am around them is the gentleness or quietness that surrounds them. It's something that appears to come very easily to them and is a very natural way of being. I feel that they have a very strong acceptance of who they are compared to others around them, and they are firmly based in the life that they live. While I am pretty content with living with technology and in a built up society, I admire their desire to live in simple manner, especially when the world around them is being added to every day.

A less personal "interaction" that I enjoy is when I am driving down the road and I pass the Amish, either in their homes or on the road (in buggies or on bikes). I have come to be able to pick out the Amish homes by the simple white color, the shutter-less windows, and the farm-like setting (especially with the buggie beside the barn/shop). As I drive by, my eye follows the homes and again I quietly admire the simplicity of their lives. If I pass a buggie or individual on a bike (as I do other bikers), I move far to the side and again follow them with my eyes. Sometimes, after I'm in the right lane again, I will look in my rear-view mirror and think more about them and their lifestyle. Eventually, I continue on with my previous thoughts, but I enjoy taking time to think about how my life compares to theirs.

Though I haven't had full interaction with the Amish, I am hoping to at some point in the near future. Before coming to Goshen, I hadn't really had any interaction with the Amish, except when we went into a certain part of Delaware when visiting my relatives. Upon arriving at Goshen, I noticed the Amish community much more often, and now having been here a while, I have accepted that they are here and they don't stick out to me as much, or don't seem as much out of place in a Wal-Mart parking lot anymore. I still continue to notice them now, but more to appreciate what they add to the community, even just quietly. It's a kind of lifestyle I don't think I'll ever fully take on, but I think I would like to spend some time in an Amish community for a time, if I ever was given the chance. If I ever get that chance, I will be very excited to get a better glimpse into the life of the Amish community. Until then, I suppose I will continue to appreciate their stillness from afar...or at Wal-Mart!

12/11/08 - First Fridays

Earlier this semester, I went into downtown Goshen with my friends for a "First Fridays" event. There were several different sights we could walk around and see, including a row of old and new cars, an open-house for an apartment/open studio, the Brew, and even a band. As we walked around the streets, I was able to take in a different scenery from the usual Goshen that I am part of.

One of my favorite parts of the night was the time we spent in Ten Thousand Villages. My roommate had never been there before and I was very excited to show her around. As we entered the beautiful store filled with amazing crafts from all over the world, I was overwhelmed (in a good way) by the many people that filled the room. It was a great experience to see so many different people interested in this company that fully supports fair-trade business. Even though I really didn't know anyone, except for the students from Goshen, it was neat to just see so many different people all supporting this good business. It's the kind of environment that I wish I had more time to be a part of.

Another cool sight was watching everyone come together to watch the band. The music was folk/bluegrass, something to that extent (I'm not sure exactly). When I was watching the band play I was also looking around at the variety of people who were there: college students, young children, parents, grandparents, different races, genders, etc. I loved the thought that the music was bringing all of these people together - out from their usual, daily routines. When I realized that I was surrounded by so many different people, I became thankful for the amount of diversity that is present within my life. It is moments like these that keep me, and others, working towards creating a safe environment that everyone can be a part of.

Though the first semester has come to an end, I look forward to the future "First Fridays" that I can attend. I think it's a great idea that the city of Goshen came up with - various activities that invite all residents from Goshen and surrounding areas to come together. This "First Fridays" that I attended had several different activities that people could take part in, depending on their interests, but what was great was that there was something for everyone - music, coffee/tea, cars, homes, crafts, etc. These kinds of opportunities should be available in all towns - it gives the community members a chance to be engaged in the close activities and can bring people together because of them, and this is what we need more of.