“When we see others as the enemy, we risk becoming what we hate. When we oppress others, we end up oppressing ourselves. All of our humanity is dependent upon recognizing the humanity in others”

Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Hand holding a globe

I stumbled upon this quote in an Open Resource Text – called Beyond Activism: Anti-racism Facilitation Guide/ . It seems an apt accompaniment to the work I’ve been doing this week. From information sessions for prospective human books for the upcoming Living Library Event, to recorded interviews with faculty engaged in virtual exchange international projects, to continuing to exploring elements that could be included in an intercultural vision, mission and direction for the College, connection and shared humanity are the common thread.

Diversity is all its meanings was also a common theme this week. I like it when there’s variety and there was no shortage in the last few days. For the first time since the pandemic began, I did a face-to-face session with some students. I confess I was feeling some trepidation ahead of time. Would I remember how to teach? Would I be able to connect? And it was such fun! What an amazing group of humans. Technology is amazing and fabulous is so many ways, including maintaining connection; it cannot yet truly reflect the connection we get from facing each other, being faced with each other’s humanity, ‘in the flesh.’

And so we come full circle.