In the home, at school, on the job, or even on the television, stereotypes lurk in every walk of life. Stereotypes cause many paralyzing effects when inappropriate labels are placed on people. A male employer might assign a woman to a job requiring a lighter work effort and lower pay based on common stereotypes. In a similar circumstance, an employer might not even hire an individual of an ethnic background different from his/her own.

Our stereotypes are acquired through our upbringing and interactions beyond the instruction and realm of the home. When does one draw the line, choosing to defy a lifetime of acquired stereotypes and set all differences aside? The choice is completely up to each one of us to accept that diversity is ... valuing our differences.

As HOSA members, we have the opportunity to meet a wide variety of individuals with fascinating cultural backgrounds. The HOSA membership is becoming more diverse with membership numbers and percentage increases in Asian, African American, and Hispanic membership.

Being a part of HOSA, you have an excellent opportunity to meet people from other parts of your state as well as around the nation. Some people have different accents, religions, or cultural backgrounds. Make this a year of adventure and acceptance by meeting new people and finding the "value in our differences".