In the past year, I had a unique opportunity to connect with individuals from different backgrounds when I helped organize and lead a campus tour for guests from Azerbaijan through my high school’s Black Student Union. Our goal was to foster cross-cultural understanding, so our board team collaborated with administration to create a welcoming environment that showcased our school’s diversity and inclusivity. This experience required careful planning to ensure we represented our school community well and highlighted the importance of multicultural perspectives. I worked closely with peers from various backgrounds to make sure the delegation felt comfortable, informed, and included. 

        This experience taught me the importance of empathy, open-mindedness, and adaptability. By listening to the Azerbaijani guests share their perspectives and learning about their cultural backgrounds, I gained a deeper appreciation for global diversity and was reminded of how valuable it is to connect with others beyond surface-level interactions. The experience reinforced my personal values of inclusivity and respect, motivating me to continue creating spaces where diverse voices are celebrated. It also demonstrated the impact of small gestures—like warmly welcoming and actively listening to others—as essential steps in building cross-cultural understanding and community.

Reflecting further on this experience, I realized how impactful my role as a leader could be in bridging cultural gaps and creating a more inclusive environment. The success of the event encouraged me to trust my ability to lead in multicultural spaces and develop initiatives that make all individuals feel valued. I also saw how sharing our own school culture with international guests fostered a cultural exchange that deepened everyone’s understanding, including mine. This experience illustrated that fostering inclusivity isn't just about acknowledging differences but about actively celebrating them and building meaningful connections across those differences. 

    Moving into college, I aim to bring these insights into my roles, especially as the President of Hall Government and in my potential future role as an RA. I plan to continue advocating for inclusion by organizing events that encourage residents to share and celebrate their diverse identities. For example, hosting monthly events for residents to attend could be a great way to help students connect and feel valued in their new environment. In addition to large events, I try to make small but consistent gestures, like offering to attend events with people who may feel nervous about going alone or checking in regularly with my friends or roommates. I believe these actions, both large and small, will help create a warm, supportive community where everyone feels they belong.