My name is Darby. I’m 14 years old and I go to Lincoln High School in Portland, OR. I love learning about other cultures, and I’ve found that there aren’t many opportunities for students and young adults to learn about Arabic culture, a very stereotyped and underrepresented community. One of my teachers is Arabic, and she speaks of her culture with a passion. Myself and other students have been given the opportunity to experience the language, the traditions, and the norms of another country. I hope to leave Jordan with a renewed understanding of the world. I only see and live a fraction of the world’s culture, and I want to understand our differences, connect with people from other backgrounds, and celebrate diversity that many people lack exposure to. That way I can share the knowledge and experiences with others.