Former U.S. ambassador and well-known American civil rights activist Andrew Young was a strong proponent of the notion that a person's environment greatly influences their personal development. He frequently stressed that learning about diplomacy and how to interact with people from different backgrounds doesn't begin at esteemed universities but rather starts in your own home.

Racial segregation was pervasive when Young was growing up in Atlanta. In spite of these difficult circumstances, he learned important lessons in his school and neighborhood. Long before formal education offered structured courses on international relations or diplomacy, his experiences taught him the value of accepting diversity and comprehending various points of view.

"I encourage young people to start engaging with issues related to differences and social inequalities early on," Young said in an interview. Instead of waiting until later in life, when the issues of discrimination seem more overwhelming, he thinks it's imperative that kids learn tolerance and respect early on.

Using the metaphor of a garden, one could consider school and neighborhood settings as rich soils where early cultural awareness, empathy, and understanding are sown. Children should be led through a variety of social interactions that foster an appreciation for diversity, much like a gardener regularly cares for their plants to ensure their health.

Young's strategy reflects his larger belief that rather than waiting for official training or advanced degrees, the seeds of change start in our daily lives, in communities, and in classrooms. People can build the abilities needed to handle complicated societal issues more skillfully as they age by beginning early and interacting with a range of people and perspectives.