Platform / Learning From Other Cultures

DIMITRINA GOTZEVA

Fulbright Scholar teaching at UCLA. Born in Bulgaria, resident of Pico-Fairfax area, Los Angeles

The region I came from in Bulgaria five months ago does not have different races. The conflict is more religious, between Christians and Muslims. The area where I live in Los Angeles is near where there were riots. But blacks and whites on my street seem to get along fine. There are so many different people from different cultures and backgrounds here in L.A. trying to live together, trying to accept each other, be patient and kind and cooperative with each other.

I am optimistic. I think L.A. is a miniature model of what the world should be. I think people here are really trying to get along. Since I came here I am trying to think in a more global way.