My Journey with Diversity -Baraka Jackson
Baraka Jackson is a senior at Belmont High School. Baraka's family moved from his home country to the United States last year due to political instability.
My Journey with Diversity -Baraka Jackson
My name is Baraka Jackson. I am 18 years old. I have lived in the U.S. for 1 year. I moved from my home country due to political instability. I currently work at Miami Valley Hospital in the food service. I also play high school soccer for Belmont High School.
Moving from Uganda to the United States brought changes I couldn’t fully understand until I experienced them. It was more than just new faces and places—it was an introduction to a new world of people, each bringing a unique piece of themselves. Growing up in Uganda, I knew the warmth of shared language and traditions, where everyone around me felt familiar. In the U.S., I learned that diversity adds a layer of richness to life that I hadn’t expected. Living in both places, I realized that each person’s culture, language, and story add something special, making our communities stronger and more beautiful.
Diversity isn’t just about what makes us different; it’s what gives us the chance to truly connect. When I first arrived here, small things surprised me, like hearing different languages at school or learning customs from friends. But each of these experiences taught me something new about the world. I realized that embracing diversity isn’t just about noticing differences but seeing the beauty in them. Every new perspective has helped me understand the world in ways I couldn’t have on my own. I learned that diversity is like a bridge, connecting people and ideas that might otherwise never come together.
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that diversity teaches empathy. When I think about the people I’ve met here, I notice how much we all have in common—our dreams, our struggles, and our hopes for the future. Whether I’m with friends from Uganda or new friends here, we all want to feel seen and understood. Embracing diversity means we don’t just accept each other’s differences; we value them. Each story I hear reminds me that we’re all part of something bigger, a shared world that’s richer because of our differences.
Living between two worlds has also taught me to be curious and open. In Uganda, I learned the language, foods, and traditions of my home. Here, I’ve started learning about other cultures and new ways of looking at life. Trying new foods, hearing different languages, and listening to friends’ family stories has given me a new sense of curiosity and a feeling that the world is so much bigger than any one culture. Diversity has taught me that every new experience is a chance to grow and understand each other a little better.
Looking ahead, I feel hopeful for a world that fully embraces diversity. I imagine communities where people see each other as equals, where differences bring us together rather than set us apart. When we celebrate diversity, we build stronger, kinder communities. We’re able to solve problems and create a future that reflects everyone. If we keep building these bridges and learning from each other, I believe we’ll find that diversity isn’t just a part of life—it’s what makes life extraordinary.
