Note: This started out as a blog on my Myspace page, which I wrote just after finishing school for the summer. I had been feeling frustrated as I reflected on all of the stereotypes and ideas about different groups of people.

Writing this blog entry, I just wanted people to take a step back, and look at the amazing things people are doing everyday for our community. Mahatma Ghandi once said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world" and I try my best to apply that idea to my everyday. An action seemingly miniscule to one can make a much-appreciated change in another's life.

Remember, in our elementary school days, when someone new came, the teacher would sing, "Don't judge a book by its cover," and cross her fingers her message of tolerance penetrated through her seemingly brick-minded pupils. I know that this mere column will not immediately solve the tolerance issues in our society, as much as I would love it to, but I hope that by reading this, someone out there realizes that the stereotypes do not help with solve inter-clique problems, they make them worse.

I'm tired of the stereotypes we as society are surrounded with. I see it constantly just walking through the mall. There are the skaters, the granolas, the gangsters, the rich kids, the posers. The rich kids are only seen with the other rich kids; the posers only hang out with the posers, the gangsters with their gangsters. And I guess this makes sense. Everyone wants to be accepted, to be surrounded by others like them. And I understand that, but does there have to be such separation of the groups? Why can't we all just get along?

Now, I know I'm starting to sound a little too preachy and annoying. I'm just trying to make a point. I consider myself open to differences- I'm a pretty adaptable person. Working with kids with special needs, I don't really see what others do, I guess. I just think that we all are people, no matter ability, color, or gender. Change just isn't an important thing to me!

I was surfing the internet a couple months ago, and found a news story on a high school somewhere in the southern US. They, until now, had always had two proms, one for African-Americans, and one for Caucasians. Until this spring, it had always been separated for the races. Interesting, right?

I just don't understand why color, ability, or sexual orientation makes a difference in the way you treat someone. Just because I'm a girl doesn't mean that I can't work just as hard as any guy could. Just because a person has a disability doesn't mean that they don't deserve to be treated as you would treat one of your friends.

Think about it. Just stop, and think before you decide to treat someone differently because of one difference. When you think about it, differences such as the color of ones skin, or their abilities are insignificant in the big picture. Will it really matter what race a person is, their abilities, or what gender they are when they end up doing something amazing for our community? I know that someone out there has to think along the same lines as I do. And I know that sounds terribly corny, but it's true, right? Just think before you judge. That's all I ask.