On the first day of school, after previously conducting numerous meetings regarding the curriculum work for the school year for the newspaper class this past summer, I finally got to meet the class. As the new leader of The Bark, I knew I would be working with many personalities. I imagined my team, their dreams, their passions and I placed them into a box.
The way I had visualized each of my classmates to be was as quiet, hard workers who ate, drank, and breathed their love for writing. Boy, was I inaccurate, but as a matter of fact, when I reflect on the group of individuals that I have had the pleasure of being surrounded with for this whole semester, I am proud.
The Bark consists of a unique variety of people who bring different values and ideas to the table. Before this class had even started, I had already decided what type and color crayons I would have in my box for this class. I envisioned twelve perfect, dedicated golden crayons that were ingrained with sparkles of success.
At the time, I failed to comprehend that even if I did obtain a class filled with golden crayons, The Bark would fail to be as diverse and impactful as it is. The success behind this magazine lies in the group of individuals choosing to enhance their community through their product.
When I reflect on our progress, I compare it to a colored image of sunshine. It’s a beautiful and detailed work of art which reflects the immense amount of time, energy, and patience that goes into creating this magazine. Nonetheless, you can’t create an image reflecting the outdoor scenery and a huge, bright sun without using multiple different colors.
I urge you to logically consider this idea. If you’re going to attempt to accurately shade and create grass, you need green. Also, I don’t know about you, but I have never, ever seen a sun that was blue. The colors matter when representing a specific type of image and the same concept applies within any social environment.
When I think about the different types of colors within my peers as they surround me everyday, I notice that each of them provide the opportunity for me to observe and appreciate the uniqueness of a variety of personalities.
Often times people can be classified as a certain color or personality type which creates labels and essentially barriers between our society. As humans, we’re always searching for ways to define who we are and classify our main characteristics. This creates groups and groups create separation from those who differ from you.
One might argue that although these groups would provide opportunities for new relationships and a passageway for ideas, these barriers are the main reason for misinterpretations and unfortunately they can serve as an excuse for close minded tendencies.
Instead of trying to surround yourself with a bunch of blue crayon people, perhaps you should instead consider conversing with an exuberant yellow who will bring out a new positive side to you that you never knew before. Or, the next time you’re stuck when working on an AP essay, ponder about what another person with a different color radiating about them has to say. It’s important to consider those outside perspectives. After all, you can’t just use one color to create the perfect picture.