In this age, students interact with different cultures and religions on a daily basis.

Sophomore Sophia Kamal, who is Muslim, believed as a child she could only have certain friends, but as she grew, her mindset changed.

“I remember when I was younger my first friend shared the same culture and I thought that was the only type of friend I could make,” Kamal said. “But I made new friends, basing them off their personalities and got to know them better.”

German teacher Monica Buffington shared her views on how she feels students deal with different cultures and beliefs.

“I think that students are far less judgmental of other cultures these days,” Buffington said. “Our schools are a wonderful blend of people from diverse backgrounds and we can all learn from each other. I think the youth of today, as they mature, will accept people based on their character and skills. Where they are from, their heritage or their religion will not play a factor.”

Senior Mahvish Shakil explains her friends’ feelings about her Muslim culture.

“My friends are pretty intrigued by all this cultural stuff,” Shakil said. “A lot of them have never witnessed it so it’s interesting to them. They’re always asking questions. I think they’re fascinated because the traditions are so different from the normal stuff.”

Senior Ashlynn Minshew, who is good friends with Shakil, explains what she tries to accomplish with some of her friends that have different beliefs than her.

“[For] those that don’t share the same faith, I always try and make it open to talk or if they ever have questions to ask. I never want to shove it down their throats,” Minshew said. “Just because we may view things differently doesn’t mean I can’t be friendly and spend time with them.”

In her own words, Buffington describes the importance of friendship despite differences.

“Old friends are the best friends,” Buffington said. “You share your lives. You see each other’s ups and downs and you are always there for each other. Where they came from doesn’t matter as long as you look at people as individuals and not try to stereotype them.”