Write a 3- to 5-paragraph essay that answers the question “How should we celebrate our

individual differences?”

Philippines: A Country of Unity in Diversity

Our country, the Philippines, is known for its Unity in Diversity. We constantly celebrate
our diversity in our various festivals and traditions and activities. I, as a Filipino, was able to
really see them around me whenever I looked up from books that spoke about the different
differences between humans. At the same time, though, I saw a curious resemblance, a common
thread, linking everyone together in their distinctive identities and behaviors. In our
inconsistencies, beauty finds its way in. A beauty that makes the world a piece of abstract art,
with so many pieces coming together and having a big role to play in each part.

It is this beauty which must be celebrated by humans. Human beings must celebrate their
differences and their commonalities through awareness, exchange, conversation and learning. An
opportunity will emerge to pave our way towards a path of peace , harmony and love through
dialogue and cooperation between very distinct, and perhaps even conflicting, opinions and
ideas. It would allow us to overcome our fear of the unknown and leave behind the ignorance in
which and in which we appear to live. The world around us offers us much to celebrate in its
diverse cultures , ethnicities, religions, and in its many art forms. And hence, our diversity must
be honored.

In smiles, celebration finds itself. To pass on those smiles to everyone we meet, to learn
what the same smile might mean something completely different to a person who comes from a
different context than ours. Celebration finds itself in learning in the same vein. Take the time to
discover the little things about your friend that you don't seem to understand. Celebration
sometimes finds itself in unlearning, for what was not familiar has been misunderstood by you,
and now it is time to correct yourself. Maybe this celebration will lead to a greater cause for
celebration-it can lead to a mosaic of cultures and ideas-making us all one, while letting us shine
in the glory of our differences.

Let us come together and celebrate these differences in a world where everyone seems to
be becoming increasingly intolerant towards all that seems 'different.' We genuinely celebrate the
nature of being human only when we celebrate the multiplicity of thoughts and beliefs that come
together to make the world what it is.