A Los Angeles Tribune interview with Soul Sparks authors to watch in 2026.

Jalpa Vaidya Patel on why teaching kids the first lesson of interconnectedness is what diversity education needs

“Belonging doesn’t happen by accident. It happens through intentional relationships, meaningful experiences, and a commitment to seeing one another fully.”

That’s when I found Boundless Life. Or maybe Boundless Life found me. It promised slow travel –and that's exactly what I yearned for. Tricia Hersey reminds us that rest and abundance can be accessed anywhere. And in that rest, I found the power of cultural curiosity.

As social workers, we may not be able to fix everything­–but we must try where we are. Trying matters, every small effort adding up. Like author Arundhati Roy writes, “Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day I can hear her breathing.” (Roy, 2003, p.86)

When I was growing up, I felt a deep sense of belonging whenever I was surrounded by diversity — diverse people, food and stories. My love of learning about other cultures led me to study abroad in college, where I minored in Native American studies. It also drove me to center cultural curiosity in my work as a school social worker and professor.

Over time, I realized something important: Cultural curiosity and belonging are deeply connected.

When I became a mom, I knew I wanted to pass this way of seeing the world to my daughters. I wanted them to grow up understanding that everyone belongs — and that everyone has a story.

“Why cultural curiosity? Why diversity education?”

A dear friend who didn’t grow up in American schools often asks me this question.  I answer by drawing from my own journey– as an immigrant child, a school social worker, and now a professor–and from what educators see every day: our schools are beautifully diverse microcosms of the world, filled with stories, languages, and possibilities. 

Research confirms what educators already know intuitively – when schools intentionally foster positive cross-cultural interaction, inclusive climates grow stronger and bullying decreases.

Children begin to see the world through a wider lens. Instead of asking, “Where are you from?” they begin asking, “What’s your family story?”

As Mahatma Gandhi once reminded us, we can be the change we wish to see in the world –and that change can begin right in our schools, even at recess.

Together, we can spark something special in our communities, turning recess into a joyful celebration of culture, curiosity, and connection.  By investing in our schools and showing up for our communities, we are shaping not only the experiences of our children today, but the leaders–and the world–of tomorrow. 

Yes, we can change the world for our next generation and yes, your school can too.

When our children explore cultures through food, art, language, and community, they begin to see the world with wider eyes.  They awaken to cultural curiosity and discover that everyone has a story –and everyone belongs. What starts as a fun summer camp experience can quietly grow into something much bigger: empathy, openness, and a deeper appreciation for people whose lives look different from their own.

That may be the most meaningful gift this season can offer.

Start with one camp, one festival, or one new neighborhood restaurant.  In Los Angeles, the world is closer than you think.