Although trying new foods and being around strangers seems like an insignificant aspect of almost every child's life, it wasn't in mine. The experience went beyond simply showing me that other cultures existed; it made me want to dedicate a part of my life to help preserve the diversity that exists among us. Since that trip nearly six years ago, I have volunteered just over 100 hours of my time on weekends to help create and run cultural exchange programs. Most of these programs take place near Valdosta State University, a college near where I live, and in these programs I have the opportunity to meet and talk to people from all over the world. The programs have helped me develop a greater sense of cultural appreciation by constantly reminding me that the world is full of different points of view. The basic ideals I learned on the trip to Washington helped me understand that there is more to the world than I may know. This makes it essential for me to keep an open mind when tackling new things