Congrats to Olivia Ren for her service work researching, writing, and sharing “Harvard Voices”; the new column in the Harvard Press [“Harvard Voices: Marisa Khurana,” Oct. 15.] The goals that she’s outlined—finding and sharing interesting stories from community members with the hope of dispelling stereotypes and learning from our neighbors—is inspiring. As a professor who teaches topics related to diversity in education, I applaud her work. It reflects and reinforces the same goals I share with my students.
It is not always easy or comfortable to explore the cultural assumptions, attitudes, and values that shape our perceptions and predicate our actions in school and society. But now, given the current sociopolitical moment, the need to look outside ourselves is more important than ever before. Learning from others is one means of modeling and creating an enlightened citizenship in a pluralistic, multicultural society. The recent edition of “Harvard Voices” proved to be an engaging example of exactly this type of work.
While I know Marisa (and her great work in our schools), it was a true pleasure to read about her personal experiences navigating the intersections of different cultures. Just as compelling were the stories she shared about her mother. The moments captured in the piece forefronted the theme of openheartedness regarding the importance of seeing and valuing the religious and cultural traditions of others. They reinforced the notion that even when we have different practices, we often share deeper, underlying values. The ways we’re connected are stronger than the ways we’re different.
I’m thankful to Olivia (and her mentors at Bromfield) for embarking on this mission to help us get to know our neighbors. I appreciate Marisa’s thoughts and her stories. I acknowledge that honoring and appreciating our differences can be challenging, but I believe it is necessary. As Marisa said, this process happens “one conversation at a time.” I can’t wait for more conversations captured in upcoming installments of “Harvard Voices.”
Katharine Covino, associate professor, Fitchburg State University
Depot Road
