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Why community is important

BrianWhite
Level 2
Employee

Earth.pngI hope you are doing well and staying healthy. In this time of the pandemic, we all are going through changes in our lifestyle—financially, socially, and even spiritually. This pandemic, as well as all the other major catastrophes, will be no different. There is always some type of major crisis during our lives in which we always overcome. Through all the different challenges we face, there is one thing that stays the same: our community. We are a community of Earthlings.

As a community of Earthlings, we all depend on some other Earthling, at some point in our lives. Many of us embrace it, while others deny it. Embracing the community is the only way we survive! Our Earth community consists of many different types of Earthlings, but we are still Earthlings. We come from different places, we speak different languages, we dress differently, we eat different foods, and we definitely look different. But we are still Earthlings. We breathe the same oxygen, and we use the same Sun and Moon to live. If you take those away, then no more Earthlings, no more family, no more friends, no more classmates, and no more co-workers.

As one of the leaders of BLEVE (Black Employees at Veritas Empowered), it has been my responsibility to help employees understand that we all play a part in the success of Veritas. No culture, race, or person is more important than the next.  None of us had a choice in picking our biological parents. We are all important and we all have a part to play on this Earth.  Being a diverse community of Earthlings has allowed us to survive through innovation! If you think innovation comes from everyone thinking the same thing, doing the same thing, living in the same place, and looking the same way…then you’re wrong. Innovation happens from differences! And we need differences on planet Earth.

If I believe something that is different than what you believe, that doesn’t mean that it’s not true—or vice versa. Each Earthling goes through their own life experiences. My experience going to the mall may be different than your experience.  My experience in school is probably different than your experience. My experience in my job is most likely different than yours. My experience dealing with people of authority can also be different than yours. Those different experiences are the triggers of how we all think differently. We should have different views about many different things. But those different views don’t make us enemies.

Some people use the phrase ‘you are a product of your environment.’ I disagree. I believe ‘you are a product of the choices you make.’ We define ourselves by the choices we make during our life experiences. Each individual choice we make should affect our future choices. But we must be careful not to be destructive towards a current life experience because of a past experience. Meaning, just because one person treated you wrong doesn’t mean the next person will do the same. Even if they look similar! Each experience is different and should be treated as such.

I believe I’m on this Earth to help others and other Earthlings are on this Earth to help me. If we all can accept this, life becomes more enjoyable. I can’t do everything on my own; I need help. You can’t do everything on your own either! Our community of Earthlings continues to produce Life by respecting and servicing others. Treat the police officer just as you would treat the librarian. Treat the garbage collector just as you would the CEO of a billion-dollar company. Treat them all with respect! One of the greatest feelings an Earthling can have is when they are the reason for the smile on the face of another Earthling.

As I reflect on Black History Month, Veritas has given me the opportunity to work with some amazing Earthlings who are improving our Community. I am Black History every day, and I challenge you today to make the Community of Earth better.  Improve our Community by treating others as equals and with respect, be open to diversity in your life and be the reason for another Earthling to smile!