Even with our differences, though, we loved and respected each other, which is a wonderful thing. It must have been a sight to see: I, a Christian, Haitian American girl, my Mexican-American friend from my program, and our seventy-year-old, Muslim host mother laughing until tears ran down our faces because we felt so much joy with each other. The only word that I can use to describe that experience is my host mother's word to describe us, zwin-- the Moroccan word for beautiful.
As someone who's been judged by outside appearance, false perspectives, and negative stereotypes, I was surprised at how easily I could jump to conclusions about others. I quickly learned that I had so much to learn. Being in a different place taught me that everyone has a story to tell, no matter where they come from. Opening myself up to those stories and different perspectives not only opened other parts of the world to me but allowed me to make amazing memories with people I'll never forget, in places that will always stay with me. The world is waiting, and I'm glad that I made the first step in embracing all that it has to offer! I hope that one day, you can, too!
