Diversity. Adversity. University.

A major focus of mine for a long while has been the topic of diversity.

In fact, back in 2018, I had the great honoring of leading a chat on the very topic of diversity, specifically uniting the three terms together, identifying that there is a very real connection between them.

Diversity

“Diversity is the art of thinking independently together”

according to Malcolm Forbes. Diversity might be viewed today as inclusion (Roberson, 2004), however I would like to offer a slightly different view. Diversity, by dictionary definition means ‘being composed of different elements or qualities.’ (Merriam-Webster). I’d like to build upon that definition to suggest that it is a necessary reality so as to see that every part plays a vital role in the bigger puzzle. When I consider the birds that eat plants, those that eat meat, those that eat both and those that feed or dead or decaying matter, it reminds me of how all these aspects of bird life provide balance. Another example is the plant world. There are many plants who make their own food through absorption of nutrients from the ground, including water as well taking in sunlight and carbon dioxide to produce their own food. On the other hand, there are animals that feed on smalls bugs and insects. Even more, there are those in the plant family (fungi) that help to break things down into reusable elements. Again, there is balance.

Staying true to the earlier quote by Malcolm Forbes, I believe there is a certain benefit to variations of stories, experiences, journeys, upbringings, cultural traditions, beliefs, perspectives, etc. These variations bring balance. They provide the space for learning and growth. Never has there been a time when I have listened to the genuine words of another person and not had a chance to reflect, learn, grow and ultimately become better. My perspective might shift after hearing someone else’s discourse on a topic. I remember in these moments that I don’t know it all and because I don’t, the intentional celebration of diversity gives me life. Those times I’ve had to experience other cultures and traditions have really opened my mind to believe that ALL have something to offer and the more we are open to experience diversity, the better we stand able to learn and grow and be better because of it.

I have visited Japan and fell in love with it. I think about the cleanliness of the towns, efficient operations and how interested they are in presentation. I’ve developed an affinity for that country because I love technology and they have a lot of it…authenticity and they have a lot of it. The people are so warm and inviting too. I have, on two occasions experienced Diwali as a teacher of students who celebrate it. I was invited as an honoree and was able to participate in the festivities on one occasion and on another, the dances and varieties of foods. I have had the honor of singing at traditional celebrations of going away. Suffice it to say that these are only a few experiences, but I like listening to other people share their perspectives. This is also diversity. When you find yourself in circles where you get to share and listen to people who may not have had exactly the same experiences as you have, you get to see life in a different lens. You can’t stay the same after experiences like that.

Adversity

Adversity doesn’t knock at the door, greet you and have a conversation prior to the reality of its experience. Adversity usually shows up unannounced, doesn’t ask permission and certainly doesn’t apologize. Opposition is the indication that we are headed in the right direction. Without resistance, the body’s systems do not grow to be better. The muscles may not become more defined, unless you increase the weight of the resistance. The body learns to adapt and overcome illness when it is exposed to the said illness or condition. The body’s defenses jump into gear when adversity arrives.

Joseph Campbell said:

“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.”

Is it possible to conquer or overcome adversity with diversity? Is it possible that celebrating and honoring diversity through interactions, conversations and experiences might lessen the burden of adversity that I feel? Could it diversity minimize the potential negative impacts oof adversity? Could the power of conversations be a remedy for the pain we all experience and feel in life?

Benjamin Disraeli said:

“There is no education like adversity.”

Is it reasonable to assume that we would not be WHO we are without adversity? Suffice it to say that adversity, though often encumbering, usually has positive woven into it. In a recent panel conversation, we discussed the merit that adversity, opposition, anxiety, etc may really play in bringing people to a place where all individuals have a seat at the table. No one is left out. Have we all experienced some adversity in life? I would hypothesize yes and perhaps we are experiencing it presently. What great power there is in adversity! What greater power there is in understanding that it has purpose! What tremendous power there is in knowing that adversity is common, though it may be diverse, yet brings us to a place of ‘uni-versity.’

University

By definition, university means “the students, faculty, and administrators of a university collectively” (Collier’s Dictionary. However, I would like to put a slightly different spin on this word as not referring to a building, group of buildings, or even specifically the people themselves, but instead the commonality of purpose, understanding or belief. “Uni” means one. We can start at diversity, experience adversity, that has the power to bring us university. What would stop us if we realized that we all have adversity and though it doesn’t feel good, the fact that we all experience it, unites us as people, as humans. The power of unity is insurmountable. Where there is unity, there is strength. Where there is strength, there is hope. Where there is hope, there can be faith to believe that all things will work towards the good and that the adversity has a hidden ray of good in it.

Diversity is our greatest strength. Within it, we can overcome adversity. Through it we can university. I’d love to entertain your thoughts, reflections or even questions about this. Feel free to comment.

References;

Roberson, Q. (2004). Disentangling the Meanings of Diversity and Inclusion. Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.ilr.cornell.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1011&context=cahrswp