People celebrate some odd things – from dolls that talk when you stick your hand up their rear end (Las Vegas Ventriloquist Festival) to cheese rolling (festival of the same name in England).

There are some pretty specific or even, pretty taboo to some, things that are celebrated around the world and in metro Detroit. So chances are you won’t be as into whatever is being celebrated as those who are decked out in costume. But regardless of your interest in electronic music (Movement), country music (Downtown Hoedown), or your sexual orientation (Motor City Pride), there’s no reason to avoid the party. Hey, you might even learn something without footing nearly $300 per credit hour.

Not only are festivals a learning experience, but it’s truly a phenomena that in a time when we are so preoccupied with the nuances of our daily lives, there are still so many opportunities for the community to come together to sing, dance and be merry.

Attending local festivals, where you can observe and interact with people, can offer more insight into different cultures and interests than any Discovery Channel special. As college students and hopefully the future leaders of the free world, what better way is there to experience diversity than with a draft beer in your hand (for those of age of course), too much sun on your back (but wear sunscreen) and kettle corn in your teeth (don’t forget to floss).

Many festivals have free admission with things to do like riding the Tilt-A-Whirl and licking cotton candy off your fingers. Even the typical arts and crafts fairs have something to offer to someone who may or may not be in the market for glazed pottery. Doesn’t it amaze anyone that people are still actually making a living from things they make by hand out of their home?

A simple conversation with a local crafter, or the guy volunteering to do security at a fair, or somebody wearing metallic pink hot pants can really be enlightening for somebody who isn’t used to talking to “strangers.” Rarely do most people venture out of the group of friends they showed up with to meet somebody new. This is a behavior most likely hailing from high school social norms when it wasn’t cool to walk to class alone, and if you did it was embarrassing. College is the time to own up to your independence. That human interaction is the very least that we need to be experiencing out at public events, and Facebook stalking friends on your iPhone to avoid looking bored and alone doesn’t count.

So in light of the theme of this first issue of the summer, The Oakland Post challenges readers to step outside of their comfort zones this month. Attend at least one event for a cause that confuses you, that you straight up disagree with or that you just don’t understand what it’s all about. Have a real conversation with somebody while you’re there. Listen to what people have to say.

We’re not saying you have to change your mind, your interests or your beliefs – but maybe you will change your perspective. Maybe you will learn something and maybe you will be awakened. We can’t expect to be world leaders when we aren’t very worldly. And the best place to start accepting people who are different from us is by interacting with the people who share our area code