Some people may ask, "How does a person that grew up in a small state and small towns (Milton & Swanton, Vermont) understand diversity?"

I would answer this by saying, "Family and education are the biggest factors in understanding diversity” . My parents always seemed open to differences and as I went on to College and took a multicultural class and read stories like Frederick Douglass (One of my heroes) I developed an even greater understanding and appreciation of people.
 

Understanding differences in people has become increasingly important to me over the years. I remember various times during my early school years seeing kids pick on each other because of their differences. Sometimes I felt bad for the kids being picked on, but I don't remember sticking up for them very often. Maybe I didn't have enough courage to stand up for a kid who was less popular in front of kids who were more popular? As I grew up and became stronger and more educated, I began to take a stand. One of my teammates in college, that I looked up to for his ability in our sport, started telling "black" jokes and I could tell from his tone and nature that he wasn't joking. I let him know that I didn't think it was funny and that was the last time I hung out with that person.
 

I know that we will never fully get away from situations like that, but the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio gets involved in our schools and really makes a difference. Through various programs and education, the Diversity Center helps kids break down stereotypes and differences, so they better understand each other.
 

Now, as a Dad and Business owner, Diversity has taken on a whole new meaning. By nature I have never been a person who has seen color or size first. I generally listen and watch a persons actions to get to know them. My two oldest boys are bi-racial and it’s still weird for me that most people wonder or ask what origin their Mom is when we meet. As a personal trainer for the last 10 yrs, many people would assume that most of my friends are skinny or in shape, etc. but I have to tell you that some of my best friends weigh anywhere from 220lb to 300+ lbs.  A gym or fitness center is not a comfortable place for most people that size. I have a ton of respect when I meet a person who is bigger and trying to make a positive change for themselves and the people around them.
 

When someone walks through the door at Aspire Fitness Studios; Size, Gender, Ethnicity, etc don't matter. Everyone is on a level platform, I have equal respect for each person that comes through our doors to address their Health & Fitness needs.

Please Join Aspire Fitness Studios and the Second Sole Striders on May 7th to do the 5k Run and/or 3mi Walk.  Go to DiversityCenterNEO.org

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Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!