In the book “Feathers” by Jacqueline Woodson, the main character tries to decipher the meaning of a poem written by poet Emily Dickinson. The poem emphasizes the beauty of ‘hope’ and how it can perch deep into the soul of individuals. The author depicts the joy and pain that people feel in their hearts and the relevance of looking beneath the surface to understand and accept others. In a world that is diverse, it is impossible to work or learn in an atmosphere that does not include a variety of ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds of people.

It seems that the younger a child is, the less judgmental he or she appears. However, with age and influences, children develop opinions and biases. In sports, children want to be on the team with the better players. In school, adolescents generally wish to be friends with others who are considered “popular.” As adults, people often befriend those who live similar lifestyles, have common interests, or share social, economical or educational commonalities.

For many, there is hope that no matter where one lives, no matter what particular career one pursues and no matter the ethnic background, people can learn to accept and appreciate those who are different from them.

In business, it is critical that employees work together in order to productively experience success at work. It is also vital that in schools, educators learn how to best educate students who display special needs or speak English as a second language — so that indeed, “No Child is Left Behind.”

There are obviously many differences between boys and girls as well as men and women. These differences can destroy a promising relationship unless both parties learn to accept the consequences of being different or find a smart way to compromise or cope. Children sometimes get mad at each other and say, “I’m not your best friend anymore!” Many times, within a few minutes they are happily playing together as if nothing negative ever occurred. For adults, the situation is typically opposite.

Despite all the great strides this country has taken to create equality in the workforce and within regulations of the law, men and women sometimes have different expectations of each other and failed relationships at work and home can negatively affect the way children are being parented.

No matter what age or gender, it is imperative that people challenge themselves to become aware of their identities and accept various differences in others so that everyone involved can hopefully live their lives to the fullest.

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne. 

Her column regularly appears in the Daphne Bulletin and Spanish Fort Sun.