Privilege of Growing Up in a Suburban

¶ … privilege of growing up in a suburban community that was largely homogenous I really never had much exposure to feeling different until I reached high school. In my home town, the closest anyone actually seemed to being considered different was if their parents were divorced. Entering high school, however, exposed me to several different new cultures and religions that were remarkably different than my own and for the first time I was made to feel different or odd. Quite frankly, it was not a feeling or experience that I particularly enjoyed. In my limited experience I had never known a black or oriental person, at least on a personal level and I had never known anyone who was Jewish or Muslim. In my private, upscale high school, however, I was exposed to every conceivable culture and, I must say, as uncomfortable as I was I enjoyed it. For the first time in my life I was made to recognize that although my childhood had been a good one I missed out on a great many things due to having been sheltered from other ideas and thoughts. High school opened up my world and I have not turned back.

Topic #2

As a young child you yearn to grow up and escape the control of your parents and to do things the way that you want to do them but somehow when it occurs many of the things that one is attempting to escape somehow remain important. How many of us still find ourselves eating the same meals that our mothers prepared; decorating the Christmas tree in the same way that our parents did; or attending the same religious services that we also have? As it is often said, "the more things change the more they stay the same." Maintaining continuity provides security. Eating the macaroni and cheese recipe that your mother made for you as you grew up provides a sense of security; a feeling of comfort that is not obtainable eating anyone else's recipe. Gazing upon a Christmas tree that looks similar to your parent's transcends one back in time to when worries were minimal and responsibilities few. Although these rituals and practices may seem insignificant, they play a major role in ensuring that our lives maintain meaning and purpose.

Topic #3

The word home holds particular importance for most of us. It means far more than the place that one resides. A residence is merely a place where an individual may sleep or store his belongings but a home is where that same individual finds peace and security. Where he identifies with the community and where he yearns to return whenever he has been traveling, attending school, or working. Having a home is like being able to return to the comfort of the womb where all one's needs are satisfied and there are few, if any, demands placed upon you. It is here where one's identity is established and there is no doubt about who you are. Home is where safety is found and where there is no pressure to be something other than what one truly is. Home may be different for everyone in terms of location but the universal similarity is the feeling of comfort and safety. This is the true essence of what makes a place a home.

Topic #4