Diversity Essay Showcase

"The Greatest Lesson of All"
By Susan Crandall, State College Area High School, Centre County
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On the night of March 15, 1999, I cried for Nathan. I cried for Emily. And I cried for the hatred that I saw all around me.

Earlier that evening, while covering a story for my school newspaper, I had attended a public hearing in my hometown. At that time, I was naive to the topic, which dealt with protecting homosexual rights by adding the phrase 'sexual orientation' to my school district's non-discrimination policy. What I previously assumed was a mundane policy issue, was, in actuality, an issue of hatred, discrimination, and injustice. A small point of contention for some became a point of urgency for me.

As I sat in a room crowded with townspeople, parents, and community members, I was astonished. Nathan, Emily, and a few other members of the gay and lesbian community bravely took the stand and professed their experience with discrimination and prejudice in our town. Deeply moved by their willingness to be so open, I was appalled by what I felt around me. I was ashamed to be a part of an audience, filled largely by my elders, which grumbled and mimicked and groaned. I felt unbelievably alone that night. And, upon arriving home, all I could do was cry.

Since that night, however, I have found myself changed. I have drafted petitions, interviewed community members, and attended community gatherings. And I have written. Using a word processor as my weapon, I have worked to inform my community, my school, my peers, and my world. I have yet to be concretely successful, but I have attempted. And I have attempted despite adversity.

t has been difficult at times. It was hard last year to openly profess my opinions in the school paper and to take a stand upon hearing "fag" and "gay" thrown loosely in chemistry class. It was hard listening patiently as one of my friends told me that I was going to hell; it was difficult when a respected member of the community swore at me. But I could not bear it any other way . Even though I have joined the minority with my opinions, the difficulties I have endured are slight in comparison to those of Nathan and Emily.

I would not trade my inconvenience for their injustice or my awkwardness for their fright. Nor would I exchange minority standing for lack of freedom, a shortage of equity, or a loss of safety.

As we, as a society, plunge into the 21st century, we must realize that such an issue is not merely an isolated one, but instead, one of extreme importance and magnitude. Until we are advanced enough in compassion to recognize, value, and celebrate all people - regardless of sexual orientation - then there is something deeply amiss in our world. Until we realize that diversity is beautiful, we have not fully experienced life to the greatest of means.

Through my experiences dealing with this issue in my hometown, I have learned an unparalleled lesson. I have learned that differences are the essence of similarity. I have learned that hate does exist, but that love can heal.

When faced with an issue of this caliber, of such widespread implications, I have learned that action is needed. Voices must be heard. And, ultimately, changes must be made.

will never forget the pain I saw that night. I will never forget the distress I felt. But most of all, I will never forget the lesson I learned: the realization that I cannot remain silent anymore.