I have recently returned home after an outstanding diversity conference in Miami. I serve as an elected trustee of a Community College and am on the national diversity committee. Our conference in Miami was a fabulous opportunity to live within the rainbow and visit a diverse college and city. Miami Dade College is has the largest enrollment of any american college with 165,000 students. Like the City and County of it's name the college features a campus population where 70% of the students are what my college would consider minority students. The students there gave a panel presentation and it gives me real hope and optimism to hear from young people who have survived and thrived. Some have lived on the streets and others experienced discrimination of all kinds. They eschewed labels and helped to create a culture where the emphasis is on their success rather than any perceived differences. We discussed racism, sexism, homophobia and had a video regarding the transgender experience that is so new to too many. I am encouraged once again that education is the key to opening doors for opportunity and understanding.
Love to learn and learn to love!
