In this modern, interconnected world, one might imagine that the world is becoming more homogeneous. Even those that physically don’t move within miles of their home, through movies, the internet, and all sorts of technology have the ability to interact with people that are far from their locale. In the last three months I have had the great opportunity to travel to different regions of The United States, and from my perspective, despite technology, this country is still incredibly diverse.

Recently, my wife and I walked along the beach outside of Los Angeles, and time and again, people would greet us, by asking where we were from. Whether it was our clothing, our demeanor, or any of a million things, it was clear that we differed from the “Locals.” Likewise, while visiting my son in rural Virginia, it is self-evident that this country is far from homogenous.

While I could read books, watch movies, or do any of a number of things to try to understand what it might be like to live in Manhattan Beach, California, the experience of spending a few hours walking around has been the best instructor.

I am grateful that I have the ability to travel and I believe that all these journeys have helped me to think more deeply about the world in which we live. At The Beech Hill School, we try to bring students on regional field trips and welcome a variety of guests to our campus. Before long, however, it is my hope that we can arrange travel opportunities for our students, so that they too can experience for themselves the incredibly diverse and wonderful world in which we live.