Canadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez wants kids to celebrate their diversity in the lunchroom

When I was young, my mother used to make a dish that I loved with spiced stewed beef and okra. It is called bhindi gosht. I loved the texture and the flavour. I would mix it with aromatic basmati rice and my mouth elevated into tastebud heaven. It was also a welcome change from the peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwiches or cheese I took almost every day. 

One day, in Madame Santerre's grade three class, I pulled out my blue thermos (yes, with the matching Holly Hobby lunch box) and opened the lid. Immediately the smells wafted through the air and I smiled. It tasted like home. But it was too much for my classmates in Halifax during the 1980s.

"WHAT IS THAT SMELL?" a classmate of mine yelled out. Startled, I quickly covered the thermos to try to reduce the aromas. But I was too late. The delicious aromas had spread quickly and my traditional cuisine was suddenly being mocked.

"It smells like doo-doo!" my very blond classmate pointed and laughed. He finished his cheese and crackers. And smirked proud that he got the attention he loved. 

WATCH: Celebrate your diversity with your lunch

I was humiliated. I put the thermos away and decided to eat a crisp McIntosh apple instead —  tart flavour without the mortification. I never took bhindi gosht to school again. Looking back, I wish I had the strength to tell this boy to shut up or ignore him. I remember that moment vividly almost 40 years later. I also remember how no one said anything in defence. Most of all, I remember how hungry I stayed until I got home and then ate my leftovers in the peace and comfort of my home. 

Recently, an interview with a young Canadian tennis phenom brought this moment back to me in a way I didn't expect. On the heels of a huge win for