Culture: What Makes Us Unique and Connected

In a recent Nature Links series, we dove into the vibrant tapestry of global cultures to explore what makes each one unique and what unites us all. Our journey began with reading This Is How We Do It by Matt Lamothe, a delightful book that offers a glimpse into the daily lives of children worldwide. We paired this with the documentary Babies by Thomas Balmès, which beautifully captures the universal experience of early childhood through the lens of families in Namibia, Mongolia, Japan, and the United States.

Through these stories, we celebrated the differences in how people live, eat, play, and grow, and we found common threads that connect us as humans—like love, care, and curiosity. The students reflected on their own "cultures," sharing traditions, foods, and daily rituals that make their lives meaningful. These conversations sparked appreciation for diversity while recognizing shared values and experiences.

By the end of the series, we walked away with a deeper understanding of the richness of humanity and the joy of discovering both our unique and universal qualities. This experience reminded us that while our cultures may vary, the human spirit binds us all.