“There never were in the world two opinions alike, no more than two hairs or two grains; the most universal quality is diversity”

-Michel de Montaigne

Learning to become a school counselor, my work toward being sensitive to cultural diversity challenged me the most.  It was surprising to me how many unrecognized biases I held until they were challenged.  As I worked through learning more about myself and learning more about various cultures, ethnicities, religious backgrounds, genders and sexual orientations, I came to realize how true it is that the one thing we all have in common is diversity.  Each individual is exactly that; an individual.  My sister and I grew up in the same house with the same parents and the same brother, went to the same school and have totally different personalities, interests, and life goals.  We are as different as two people can be.  And yet, many people mistake us for twins when they see us together.  The point is that differences are within all of us and that those differences are what make us unique.  Those differences are to be celebrated. 

In counseling, the importance of being well-prepared for working with all kinds of students is great.  The population of our schools are ever changing and the needs of the various populations is continuously growing.  The most important thing that a counselor can do is to be both familiar with and sensitive to the individual needs of each student.  The evidence I have provided demonstrates a knowledge of my own biases as well as the growth I have made in overcoming those biases so that I may better serve my students.  Being a school counselor will also allow me to continue to grow in my understanding of other cultures and to continuously improve myself.

While the population that challenged me the most because of my religious upbringing is the LGBT population, I also found that I had many unrecognized biases toward other races and ethnicities.  Working in a building that is very ethnically diverse, I have learned that many cultures are unique in their expression.  I have grown in my interactions with students through my awareness of different cultures.  My goal is to treat each individual student with respect and care.  Through my professional growth and continued work in my awareness of other cultures, I will continue to improve my relationships.