We Are People

So. This week really took it out of me. The place that I work (Strata) held a conference with week with selected Koch Scholars from around the U.S.. It was actually one of the coolest things ever I've ever been apart of. There were around 35 participants who came from all over the U.S., and, at first, I was really nervous to even talk to any of them. I mean, really, they're all very well read, opinionated, and very smart, and here I am.

Hi! I'm Kelli Reeder, the last book I read was Hunger Games and I love watching Gossip Girl! Let's have a nice chat about economics and politics!

No. That thought was mortifying.

I had basically memorized people's names before I met them, ya know, because I had put together so many information packets and name tags that they had all just kind of stuck in my head. I had tried to make myself scarce, and avoid any unnecessary conversations, but when one of the scholars sat by us at dinner, I really had no choice.

Her name was Candace and she was a kick in the pants to say the least. But really, she was hilarious. Afterwords, when we hosted hospitality at our office, she and I got talking a little more, and a few people she had met came and talked to us as well.

It was really interesting actually, having these conversations. I live in Logan, Utah. I'm LDS, and I've lived in Utah for most of my life. I wouldn't say that I'm a judgmental person, but living in a place where most of the people I know are LDS leads you to have certain expectations when you meet new people in the valley, but attending this conference and meeting these people has really changed that about me. I knew that they weren't from here so I knew not to assume that they had similar religious views. It was actually kind of awesome talking with someone who didn't know anything about my religion. It was awesome having deep conversations with people and not expecting them to say or not say certain things. It was awesome talking to people who don't know about me or where I'm from. There was really no difference between me and these people. I know a lot of people's first instinct would be to pick out things about a person that were different from them or didn't coincide with their personal beliefs. A year ago that's exactly what I would have done. I would have thought something like 'Hey that girl has a really short skirt on, and she's drinking a beer. I think that gross." My thoughts during this conference were more like 'Hey that girl lives in Florida, her laugh is hilarious, and she's one of the coolest people I've met'.

It's amazing to think that a year ago, or even a month ago, I was that person who made those unfair and harsh judgements on those people who are, quite frankly, outstanding. I'm grateful for what I've learned about people this last year. I hope that I can keep an open mind, and never think twice about someone's gender, race, religion, ethnicity, age,  sexuality, hair color, food preferences, or even what they wear.

Today, I am happy because I've learned how to love people. All people. I don't care if we don't believe the same things. I don't care if we're from the same place. I don't care what you look like. I'm a person, and you're a person. We are people, and I'm glad that we met. ( So sorry for all the cheese)