In college, I found a group of close friends from diverse backgrounds. I lived in a residence hall where many LGBTQ+ students (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and other identities) lived. I also joined a gospel choir, where I was the only white person in a choir of black men and women. Talking to and learning from different people taught me the importance of making friends who might have different backgrounds. You can learn so much about life by asking thoughtful questions to those around you.
Four months ago, I came from working as a cashier at Safeway (just down the road!) and traveled across the Atlantic Ocean, knowing nobody, to a brand new school in a city of nine million people. It’s scary. But I’m using the same tools that I used in middle school to make friends: I'm accepting people for themselves, I'm respecting others, listening to others and I'm learning from those who are different than me. And so far, I'm making friends with some amazing people!
