Mistaken Identity

I don’t know if I have an “international” look.

An Ethiopian woman greeted me in her native language. A Samoan woman commented on the flower in my hair and asked if I were from Hawaii. As I pondered these separate encounters, it dawned on me that we are not that different from one another.

I’m sure that I am not the only one who has been mistaken for another person, another race, another culture. When we are working with children — administrators, educators, parents, social workers, counselors and other related professionals, please be sure to honor the rich culture and history they bring to the home, school, and community! There’s no mistaken identity because each adult will celebrate the unique qualities of each child! Ask children about their background, their customs and traditions. It supports each child’s self-esteem and confidence in their contribution to the world!