“Inclusion” by Joshua G. — Northern Arizona University, Physical Therapy

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One of the inner most desires of people is to feel accepted, to belong to something bigger than themselves. A place of similar interest or a support system that will harbor confidence and self-esteem through fairness and inclusion. Inclusion is both a sensitive and important topic because of the global expansion of travel and social communications has created more diversity. With diversity increasing, societal thoughts need to integrate equity and inclusion for everyone. Inclusion means to include all or to embrace people; yet people are so reluctant to embrace our follow person because of vast differences between each other. The importance of inclusion today is one of the most essential practices to help created a happier, healthier, and successful society. 

If we felt respect by acceptance on merit without concern for the bias judgement labeled by society, people would be happier. People have a desire to be accepted and belong and I believe the world would be happier if we embraced people for their difference. If we could look past and see the real person and know that we are all people longing for the same thing. The world could be healthier if we looked past physical stereotypes and included all people to be a part of the game, or school play, or group project. Accepting would create less mental health issues by created a positive confident person. If we could take judgement out of people, it would produce a place of peace and acceptance. A place where people would not be worried about their body imagine, or how well they can play the game. Every person has something to give, a quality or thought that would benefit a situation but if we do not allow that person a chance because they are different, we could be missing out on something remarkable. That is why we need inclusion, because it creates new ideas, new thoughts, new everything which will create a happier healthier person that will then create a cycle of good and new, therefore a more successful society.

If we used diversity as a positive for the common goal and good of mankind; to include everyone, those different cultural backgrounds could and would produce innovative ideas. Which can generate new discussions and opportunities to today tops concerns. Imagine a workplace where interviews are done only listening to a person’s characteristics; their opinions and thoughts are value based on distinction not jaded by biased categorizes. Therefore, it is important in the workplace we have inclusion because those difference in people allow new policies and concepts. It creates a safe environment for ideas and happier people. Happier people are more energetic and tend to be healthier. Thus, a successful cycle begins when people are embraced and included.

I had the privilege to teach high school science for six years in a small border town while my wife finished her educational training. Teaching was never my lifelong plan, but it was the most wonderful, unexpected blessing. Teaching taught me patience, teaching taught me about equity, and the uniqueness of students. These traits needed extra attention and care to design my lessons to not only reach all levels, but to accommodate the ones that struggled and challenge those high achievers. It created a mindset of awareness in my job to reach everyone in the classroom. I needed to have different ways to teach the material, to engage the students but also enhance learning. Inclusion became second nature to me. I was learning from those students as much I was teaching them; we pushed each other for new ideas and ways to teach the lesson better. During this time, my wife and I started a family. I am a better parent now from my years in the classroom because it taught me so much about inclusion and equity. My awareness and appreciation for differences and changes allow me to be instrumental in raising my two children. These themes are now foundations for how I want to raise my children so that they embrace and accept diversity. The skills I learned through teaching along with life’s maturity will also help me in my next chapter. Inclusion is not something that can be put aside or forgotten, it needs to be exuberated as for acceptance grows and equity is a part of the norm. As a student for the next few years before I work in the community as a physical therapist, I will act against any prejudice or hatred towards people. I want to serve my community with grace and honor and ahold the dignity of all.

Inclusion is a noun that requires action. Action from everyone to accept and be open minded to change. By removing any old stigmas and getting out of a comfort routine to open our hearts to inclusion of the person. To use rubrics to measure the best idea or thought not hate or prejudice for a person or group. If adults could think and act small children at the playground where the kid does not care about anything other than being nice and having another person to run around with, the world would be friendlier more inclusive. I believe if we can integrate inclusion into schools, into homes, and into everyday thought the world would be both a happier and healthier place to live.