As we prepare for this year’s Multicultural Day, it is important to keep in mind that not all students fit into the same box. Over the last few years we have seen a greater representation of minorities in our public schools. Sure, we still have a long way to go to allow minority students to feel fully incorporated into the culture of their schools, but it can be agreed upon that these students feel like they are seen.

Last year, the first ever RHS Multicultural Day did a wonderful job of showcasing the rich and diverse cultures of the students on campus. There are efforts being made to make students of all backgrounds feel accepted, which I believe is greatly needed especially in the midst of today’s social climate.

Still, I ask – what about the students who do not necessarily fit into one category? The students who cannot check just one box when asked what race they identify as on an exam? The fact that there isn’t a box for biracial students just goes to show how underrepresented they truly are.

I find myself being faced with the question “What are you?” quite often by my peers. I simply say that I am biracial. I say this without knowing that there are students that have no idea what the meaning of that word is. It baffles me that there are students that unaware that not all students are just black or white. Sometimes they are both. Sometimes they are a number of different ethnicities and cultures all mixed into one.

I feel that people should be educated on what it means to be mixed race. I try not to take it personally, but it can sting just a little when a classmate asks me what I am as if I am some unknown species.

This year’s Multicultural Day could do a lot to benefit RHS’ biracial students. It could bring about a broader awareness of our existence on campus and within society overall. I think that we could turn this into a reality by providing students who come from a mixed race background with the platform to be able to share their experiences and speak about their blended families to an audience of their peers. 

The more educated we all are as students about the various cultures and ethnicities that exist on this earth, the more understanding and sensitive we will become towards others. I also believe becoming more knowledgeable will lead us all to stop judging people based on their appearance. A person who looks a certain race may not identify as that race. It all depends on how that individual was raised. 

I would love to see a better representation of all backgrounds on campus because all students should feel that they fit in. Our high school years are our most formative years which means the way we are treated and taught to treat others shapes the way in which we move about our adult lives.

Every student at RHS should feel like they are a part of their school, and should especially feel accepted for all the many diverse cultures that make them who they are.