Late last fall, I was approached to write the Annual Statement of Purpose. I feel very honored to have been chosen to write this.

So during our 'Diversity of Religion' interactions, I thought of things to add to my statement. As the year progressed, it became harder and harder to summarize each interaction - Atheism, Buddhism, Wicca, Hinduism, Mormonism, Protestantism, Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, Morals versus Values, Spiritualism and Conservative Christianity - into a single statement.

At each interaction, and of the many questions asked of our presenters: two questions in particular led to a common theme for me.

The first question was: "If you were the Ruler of the Universe for one day, and you were given a magic wand to change anything you want, what would it be?"

Many of the presenters gave predictable answers like 'more compassion' and 'world peace'.

Several presenters said they would change nothing and this stunned me.

After all, all around the world, we hear daily of conflicts between religious and cultural groups and governments. Even within our own country the news often includes conflicts in our society due to economic, social and religious differences. Why not make all the bad stuff go away?

Dwelling on this has caused me to think a lot about myself and personal responsibility. I’m beginning to better understand the concept of ‘free will’.

The second question that really stuck with me was: "What is the one thing you want the Scholars to take away from your presentation?"

Well, the answers were as diverse as our group. But for me, the answer to this question is pretty simple.

I think that even if you disagree with someone's faith, however strongly, you need to accept that person for whom they are. You need to respect their beliefs.

By looking deeper into a person and past your differences, you can accomplish great strides in all aspects of your life, be it personal friendships, school or work environments and even in community involvement.

Building on these questions and ideas is what I think the Scholars can achieve in the Ozarks.

While in the Ozarks, we will become part of nature and will have to endure the heat and cold, rain and sun, sleeping in tents with no electricity or the comforts of home.

We will also debate several topics - chosen by the Scholars - delving into our individual morals and values and various religious beliefs.

We are going to get away from the world so we can focus and reflect on our interactions from this past year, and come to a better appreciation of the impact we can have on our world.

When we get back home, we will spread our experiences from this year to teach others by our example that: respect and understanding - acceptance - are the key points in trying to make our mark on the world.

If we reach out to others in demonstrating the value of 'the acceptance of differences', then our purpose will be fulfilled.

- Trevor Goveia
Veteran Diversity Project Scholar