Good for you Jen for recognizing the pettiness of these actions.

I live in a small community...I can remember only a handful (4-6) people in my high school that were not white. I never saw racism in action...but I'm not so naive to think it didn't happen.

When I went to college...it was like another world! So many different colors and backgrounds. I was shocked when the ladies in my cohort made the statement that the university wasn't as diverse as I thought. For me...it was! Of course, they all grew up in Northern Virginia where, apparently, things are incredibly diverse.

When I student taught, I was the minority! It was such a wonderful learning experience for me! I am so grateful of the experiences I encountered.

These life experiences I've had make me (I hope) very open to new and different places and people. My cousin and I disagree frequently on so many of these issues. I simply attribute it to her not having the life experiences I have had.

You're in my thoughts. I hope good things come out of this, for all involved!