By Amaya Daniel
Why does diversity matter?
Some of you may have this same question. Why is it important to fix a system that is not broken for you? Why would you change something that benefits others that you do not look like or you value? Ironically, the answer is given in the question: the importance of diversity is understanding the value of having an array of different things. When building an orchestra you can not only have woodwind instruments or string instruments. To build the perfect orchestra you have a combination of wind, string, percussion, and brass. All interchangeably working together to produce beautiful music by seamlessly coexisting together. They are diverse body and yet are able to work well together. So then, again ask yourself why does diversity matter? If you are to see the beauty in music then you should be able to see the beauty in color.
Unfortunately, MCPS schools have pushed aside the idea of creating an orchestra. The ideas of diversity and inclusion have become suppressed by those who can not hear the music. They are stuck in being too flat and too sharp, not seeing the harmony of unity. We have schools left only with perceiving the need for one type of instrument. Some people are afraid that new instruments can disbalance or drastically change the usual sound. It is important to understand that only a full orchestra can make it to the most successful theaters!
But, sometimes all that is needed is a little practice and a conductor. Not everything works the first time or second or even the third. The resilience to preserve is how we succeed in creating music and this all done under guidance and instruction. The conductor helps to cohesively and precisely time everything so that blends together to make the music that we hear.
I am asking for MCPS to be a conductor on the drive of diversity and inclusion. To take back the baton and start the music. All across the county, we can hear beautiful music and see small communities change the country as a whole .It sounds like each consortium is trying to drown each other out. Not understanding that we all come together for one purpose and that is to make music. By making music we are producing the future. The students that come out of MCPS are supposed to help foster the growth and create real change to progress our society. Starting in elementary schools, plant the seeds of good citizenship, teaching everybody the importance of community building through diversity and inclusion.
We are going to succeed only when every county in the country can light that music up!
Amaya Daniel is a junior at Wheaton High School. Apart of STEPS, been a Girl Scout for 12 years, a swimmer. Favorite activities those of your average grandma: word searches, knitting, and drinking tea.