By: Brennan Taylor
Auburn Adventist Academy, located in Auburn, W.A. has been rated as one of the most diverse schools in Washington State with an A+ according to Niche. Because of the diversity, I believe that we have a healthy school culture when it comes to understanding and respecting a wide range of cultures. However, I don’t think we fully use our diversity to educate and celebrate our wide range of cultures.
Some of my favorite chapels and assemblies have been those that celebrate culture. I believe this is because instead of being taught about culture, we are invited to participate in it and listen to voices from those backgrounds. Whereas in a public school you may see a divide between people because of their backgrounds; food, traditions, clothes, etc., you won’t see that divide as present in our school. This is because the people here have grown up.
with each other and have constantly been exposed to differences in their backgrounds.
Recently we had a chapel celebrating Filipino culture and it was one of the most interactive chapels we’ve ever had. I felt like I had a real connection with the culture and the people up on the stage, and that was a wonderful feeling. Yet we only have these chapels every so often.
Our lunches often consist of food from all around the world and it's wonderful. I have tried so many new foods and have fallen in love with them, which is an opportunity that just isn't possible in a public high school. But again, we only get lunches that celebrate culture about every month or so.
I think as students and staff of our school, we should do just a little more to really emphasize our appreciation and openness to learn and respect each other and our backgrounds.
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