Embedded Files
In November of my senior year (2022), myself and 5 other girls were selected to participate in the Student Diversity Leadership Conference hosted by the National Association of Independent Schools.
We spent three days in San Antonio, Texas hearing from speakers, participating in activities to strengthen our understanding of our identities, and learning how to make sure diversity is upheld in schools.
Students sent from my school
Photo Taken by Mrs. K. Rupertus
Members of My Family Group
Photo Taken by K. Kinner
The majority of our time at the conference was spent in our family groups. These groups consisted of 30-40 individuals from all over the country. There were diverse identities, experiences, and educational backgrounds present in each group.
In our family groups, we did numerous activities regarding the different facets of identity (race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, etc.). These activities encouraged us to share our experiences and learn more about our own individual identities.
When we weren't spending time in our family groups, we got the opportunity to bond with students with similar cultural backgrounds by spending time in affinity groups. Affinity groups were more laid-back and focused more and giving students a space to meet with people with shared experiences.
I attended the Latin American affinity group each day and got to meet (and become close friends with) Latin American students from all around the country. It was incredible to see a room full of people that shared my culture. We discussed issues that faced the Latin American community (immigration, colorism, machismo, going into college as a Latin American, etc.), and also spent lots of our time sharing our culture through music and dance.
Latin American Affinity Group
Photo Taken by C. Gómez
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