June Topic is Diversity!

Each Month, I will dive deep on a subject matter in order to help my followers Build a Full Rich Life. So why start with diversity?

The inherent value of diversity is one of my core beliefs. As a white, cis woman from an upper-middle class background, I am dripping with privilege. Examples: my parents paid for my undergrad and graduate degrees, I attended exceptional public schools, I am constantly given the benefit of the doubt, etc. While living in a nice bubble of white privilege, life has still been hard.

As a woman, I am interrupted in meetings, asked to take notes, and not listened to on the regular. More respect is given to my male colleagues even as they work less, produce lower quality work, and are more difficult to get along with. Also, I watched my brother. My brother with Autism was put in many environments where he could not be successful. But with the right support and environment, my brother was extremely successful and joyful.

Watching my brother taught me that lesson that “to whom much is given, much is required.” If my brother can accomplish great things and overcome obstacles, I can also accomplish great things and overcome obstacles. Acknowledging my own unique struggles helps me grow, and my growth is exponential when I can see and understand other peoples’ unique struggles. Maya Angelou spoke the words that live in my heart “The truth is, no one of us can be free until everybody is free.”  

My brother David and I on a family vacation in 2006.