The true beauty of Van Nuys High School (VNHS) stems from our student population, or more specifically, our diversity. The beauty of diversity in every community we are a part of is obvious. Due to diversity, we get to see many cultural experiences, our upbringing and the societal norms we abide by that set us apart and yet unite us as a whole.
As reported by US News, the student demographics at VNHS are so diverse, containing students of many ethnic backgrounds coming together under the same academic institution. But, because of this diversity on campus, it’s important to be cautious and actively foster a sense of belonging; something Van Nuys has successfully been doing.
Going to school at Van Nuys for four years showed me the impact of inclusion. I believe we should continue to foster this great sense of community because it gives everyone a place where they can express themselves freely.
At Van Nuys High School, we have many student-led clubs and organizations which appeal to every student. Through different clubs and courses such as our Cultural Awareness Club, Help the Homeless and African American Studies, students are able to get involved with their culture and learn about other cultures, too.
In addition to clubs that meet weekly, a wonderful annual opportunity to see a burst of cultures is Multicultural Day. Multicultural Day serves as a chance for students to engage in cultural dishes that are vital to different cultures. The day is both delicious and educational. The best part is probably when students gather on the Victory Stand to showcase their cultural talents from dancing to singing and even reciting poetry.
This sense of community is definitely not something we should take for granted as the real world is not always so inclusive.
As an Asian kid in the United States, a question I am often asked is, “where are you from?” – almost as if it’s impossible to believe that I could possibly be born and raised in Los Angeles. Questions like this are offensive and frustrating to deal with.
But above all, these questions catch me off guard. In school, I’m never pestered with questions like this and I feel almost sheltered from the reality of the discrimination that’s present in the real world.
I know that not every college campus will cling to enhancing diversity on their campuses like Van Nuys does but I will carry the values I learned from high school over into college. There are so many things we do well as a student community that I don’t think we take the time to acknowledge.
Just because activities and courses benefit our student body, that doesn’t mean it’s the norm in every school.
If we consider the courses offered at our school – like AP African American Studies, an active stance of rebellion against states like Florida that have banned the course – we would understand possibilities we are permitted that every other school doesn’t necessarily have.
In truth, it’s the differences between us that unites us and we should continue clinging to enhancing diversity on school campuses because that is what helps us to move forward as a community.
