My name is Erick Jesus Nava and this is why I think my community encourages individuality. My community of Mt. Olivet, Kentucky, is unique unto itself. Although my community does not embrace dichotomies of hate, I still feel that sometimes it is difficult for its people to completely understand cultural differences. Sometimes, as humans, we tend to fear that which we do not understand. We fail to seek, to understand, to listen to the perspectives of others. When we close our minds to those who are different, we miss an individual, which goes against everything individuality is about. To appreciate individuality is to become selfless; it is the release of a selfishness, freeing ourselves to relish in the beauty of diversity and cultural awareness.

I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn from those in my community, and I am sure the feeling is mutual.

I have resided here in Mt. Olivet for over three years, and I can happily say that I feel I am a valued member of a community, a member of a family that has embraced individuality and diversity.

It is not perfect, but nothing is. What matters the most is the support and care we all provide each other, regardless of our differences.