I love going to airports — especially international ones.

This is not only because I am about to ride a plane and head off somewhere, but being able to see people from other places around the world, listening to other languages being spoken around me, seeing heartwarming reunions or heartbreaking goodbyes, it all confirms the understanding that we really are not that different.

No matter where we are headed, we are all human and on this Earth together.

It is not a matter of if there should be diversity — that is already a reality in the world as a whole. It is informing and educating people to understand diversity. To have them realize it is not a negative thing, and that it is the best for communities, big or small, and nations as a whole. It is to have them accept diversity and embrace it with open arms, hearts and minds.

The problem is people still fear of the unknown. They fear what they do not understand, or rather what they completely misunderstand — viewing people in categories, looking at the people who are different as the “other.”

It’s time to realize inclusion is what is needed.

Overcome adversity. Acknowledge your biases. Talk to people. Push yourself out of that comfort zone.

This all won’t change overnight. It will take time because some people still don’t see the beauty in these so called differences, but together we can show those people that beauty.

I say we because I myself can be put in that “other” category.

I am the child of immigrants, but I was born and raised here my entire life. People ask where I am from because of the way I look, and the answer will always be Iowa.

If you can relate in the same way, or are considering another aspect of your life, change that! Change the assumptions. Be open to questions, whether its by sharing foods, words, cultural practices, beliefs or anything. Show people there is so much more to life than just what they experience and practice.

I myself am proud to share my story. I am proud to share that part of me, and I know I, like everyone else, have something to offer. And you should be excited to share your story too.

Everyone has their own beliefs and experiences, whether by the color of their skin, by the way they dress, by where they’re from or by the way they choose to live their life. People experience life in completely different ways.

The best part of people having different views, understandings and expectations is being able to share them with one another. So share them, whether it’s in the workplace, classroom, community or even on that plane.

It is not always easy to do this. There will be people who judge and misguide you; it has sadly happened to me.

Respond with positivity. Show those people you are different in a way they do not expect. You just have to keep going on your journey. A little turbulence will always pass.

Remember and realize diversity is more important today than it ever was.  

In the end, diversity is the only option. It is our reality.