By Melissa Rose

It is easier to dismiss others when we know them on the surface. We are all more than that surface image however. In fact, we are the same. Our stories unique, but somehow exactly alike, and if you take the time to listen, you discover the connection between us all.

Storytelling is a unique characteristic of human beings. We learn easiest through stories. We connect with other humans through stories. Stories tells us who we are and who we want to be. They inspire and reflect. They show us the people we could be. The people we once were. The lessons we learned and learn again. Most importantly, they connect us.

StoryCorps is an organization dedicated to building connections through stories. Founded in 2003, what began as simple pop up “story booth” in Grand Central Station now has growth into a national movement, prompting permanent story booths located across the country, and a mobile booth which takes the storytelling on the road. Places where anyone can share a story with the world, and anyone else can listen to it.

StoryCorps’ mission is to “preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world.”

The more we share our stories, the more we discover that we are more alike than different. That no matter our background and culture and history, we all experience the pain of loss. The power of love. The strength of our own resilience in the face of impossible odds. We discover that we are, in fact, one human family.

Discover some stories, and share your own!