Among high schools in the Fairfield area, Armijo High School consistently ranks as one of the most diverse campuses of the region. At lunch, students have access to a variety clubs such as International Club, Black Student Union, Gay-Straight Alliance, and Filipino Club where students, regardless of background, can come together to enrich their experiences and participate in activities.

At its heart, Armijo’s rich diversity creates a campus that is welcoming to all of its students, regardless of their identity. Though diversity is commonly thought to refer to ethnicity and skin color, it can take many forms. Diversity in culture, socioeconomic status, disability, gender, and sexual orientation are all expressed in Armijo’s student and staff body.

Diversity is a word so commonly printed on pamphlets and shown on PowerPoint slides that it can become easy to forget the true significance of its nature. Especially in a diverse campus such as Armijo, diversity means that students are able to share perspectives and come together, regardless of different backgrounds.

It is with diversity that no one can admit to being “colorblind.” Instead, the Armijo community is able to acknowledge each other’s differences from an appreciative standpoint. As companies, universities, and other institutions increasingly place focus on creating a diverse atmosphere, it gives Armijo students great pride to already be exposed to such a diverse community.

We live in polarizing times, where lines are drawn in the sand and various groups are pitted against each other. Armijo’s diversity is a prime example that together, our backgrounds enrich our community with beauty and color.

In the face of discrimination, intolerance, and bigotry, Armijo’s richly diverse community reminds us that we are stronger because of our differences, not in spite of them.