Students go on a diversity retreat

Last week a group of 8 students and Teacher Melissa Foster represented our school at a 3-days and 2-nights diversity retreat with other schools, including Kenston, Warrensville Heights, and Richmond Heights.

The students who attended are Junior Colin Kurpinski, Junior Chae Seals, Junior AJ Ventimiglia, Senior Maya Doskocil, Junior Maya Dey, Junior Samantha Pulling, Sophomore Kennedy Nietert, and Junior Olivia Higginbotham. At the retreat, the campers learned about and discussed Body Image and Gender Identity.

Before even going, they were encouraged to watch some videos to learn more about the topics of the retreat. While there, they were split up into groups of 10-15 students from a variety of schools to body image and gender identity. During the trip, they each learned about the main topics, worked on leadership, and had a chance to meet new people.

While considering the trip, Chae Seals said, “It was a great experience to go and listen to many others opinions and expand my knowledge on a touchy subject as this one. I got to meet many new friends and make good memories.”

Reflecting back, the students agree: it was an educational, beneficial time. For the most part, they did not know much about the topics prior to the trip, however, they dived deep into the topics and expanded their knowledge. They are spreading the word about what they learned.

While contemplating his experience, Ventimiglia emphasized, “I found this retreat to be very beneficial in multiple ways. First of all, I was able to learn more about a topic that I knew very little about. Along with that, hearing different opinions on these topics made me think in a way I have not before.”

Where do they go from here? The diversity group is creating ways to educate others about body image and gender identity. Also, the students may be selected to help take part in creating a video displaying what they learned; last year, two Aurora students were included in the video. Furthermore, near the end of November, the students have the chance to go to a prestigious dinner in Cleveland.

When asked what he wanted to tell people from what he learned while on retreat, Krupinski said, “One thing that everyone should know is to love people for not only who they are but who they want to be.”

They are looking forward to hopefully going again next year. Nietert said, “I found it very beneficial because it allowed me to see parts of society with a whole new meaning. I honestly loved it all!”