Equity: A Lesson from the Aquarium

Good day, dear reader. Today, I’d like to share a story from my past that taught me a valuable lesson about equity. It’s a tale that unfolds in an unlikely place – an aquarium. So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s dive into the depths of this story.

The Visit to the Aquarium

Many moons ago, when my grandchildren were just little sprouts, I took them to our local aquarium. It was a place of wonder, filled with all sorts of marine life, from the smallest seahorse to the largest shark. But the star of the show, the one that captivated my grandchildren the most, was the giant octopus.

The Octopus and the Starfish

As we stood there, marveling at the octopus, a curious event unfolded. A starfish had somehow found its way into the octopus’s tank. The octopus, being the larger and stronger creature, could easily have claimed the starfish’s spot. But it didn’t. Instead, it moved to the other side of the tank, giving the starfish space to move and explore.

The Lesson in Equity

This simple act of the octopus, a creature we often consider less intelligent than us, taught me a profound lesson about equity. Equity is not about everyone getting the same thing. It’s about everyone getting what they need to thrive. The octopus didn’t need the space the starfish occupied, so it gave it up. It understood, in its own way, the concept of equity.

Applying the Lesson

So, how can we apply this lesson in our lives? It’s simple. Whenever you’re in a position of power or privilege, remember the octopus. Consider the needs of others and make room for them to grow and thrive. That’s what equity is all about.

Remember, dear reader, life is not a zero-sum game. There’s enough room in the ocean for all creatures, big and small. And there’s enough room in this world for all of us to succeed, if only we practice equity.

Until next time, keep learning, keep growing, and keep making room for others.

Kev