Diversity

is the norm

nerves. i have been swimming in nerves for weeks. nervousness and excitement are two sides of the same coin. excitement. i have been excited for weeks. a new life in a distant city called me. i answered. i packed my things. i uprooted. i moved. across a very large country. drove 4000km. camped. ate instant noodles and tuna. drank coffee. drove some more. until i arrived. to montréal. and on the way. i saw what i have missed. i saw what lacked where i lived for over a decade. diversity. difference in identities, ethnicities. even language. i am now speaking in french. everyone here speaks two languages, at least. i am no longer an other here. not in the majority or the minority. i am part of the diversity.

diversity is the norm.