Nicole Skuratovsky Week 5: The Importance of Travel

    I was fortunate enough to live and travel all around the world starting from a very young age. I was introduced to a variety of cultures and traditional practices that have deeply shaped who I am today. Following my move back to America, my understanding of cultural diversity placed a striking contrast to that of my peers. I felt as though my classmates lived in a bubble of American culture; an unfortunate oblivion to the beautiful traditions of around the world. Of course, we must take into consideration of financial circumstances in regard to travel. Traveling is certainly not a leisurely expense, and in no way am I attempting to dismiss those who have not had the financial opportunity to travel. Instead, my intention in this blog is to bring awareness to the value of recognizing humanity’s diverse nations. Immersing yourself in foreign environments will expand your pallet of valuable knowledge and deepen your understanding of those around you. 

    America is one of the few countries that harbor an admirable number of diverse cultures. Though our country fosters the highest immigration rate, our ignorance nonetheless prevails as seen through the many examples of racism and injustice in our nation. How can we take pride in our country if we neglect the very people who make up the majority? There is a clear stigma surrounding taking pride in your culture, placing shame on those who choose to embrace where they came from. Suppressing our ancestral customs in order to fit into a stencil we feel pressured to adhere to is further pushing us into that bubble. We must not forget that everyone, including yourselves, has an origin story of cultural traditions. If we choose to neglect our ancestral past, it loses its once-cherished value. It is critical especially now to remember the culture of our ancestors, as well as immerse ourselves in other cultures. When we recall our own, we can better understand the sea of valued cultures surrounding us. 

    Through traveling, you will experience first-hand exposure to new sceneries, communities, and cultures that’ll enrich your appreciation of the world. As you develop a greater appreciation and understanding of the wide array of the different traditions around the world, you will better understand the differing practices of the people around you in America. Instead of coming from a place of judgment or disregard, we as a country must strive to acknowledge where we, as well as others, come from and embrace one another. Where do you want to travel?