Students reflect on their SDLC experience

We have had such an inspiring and exciting time this past week in Houston. After the closing ceremony, we asked our students "What was a highlight of SDLC (Student Diversity Leadership Conference) for you?" and here is what they said: 

Courtney: I loved my Home Group where we clarified all sorts of questions about identity ... I also liked the silent movement exercise where we didn't have to explain ourselves....

Jessica: I liked the SDLC Closing Ceremony where students talked about their journeys ... It felt very open and powerful because people said things that they had never had the courage to say before - not even to their own families...

Sabrina: I liked the silent motion activity where people who thought they were all alone saw that others stood with them and that they aren't alone after all ...

Adesuwa: I liked meeting people from other schools and I made a great friend from Virginia. 

Sara: I loved my Family Group and realizing that there are other people like you facing the same challenges .. It was powerful hearing stories of hurts and also the silent affirmation activity. 

POCC / SDLC Houston 2012!

Howdy from Houston where we are attending the annual People of Color Conference (POCC) and the annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC). This is a very special year as POCC  is celebrating its 25th year! The theme of the conference this year is Energizing Our Future through Refining our Shared Sense of Community.  There are record numbers of attendes this year including  1387 students from around the nation (plus a few from Austria, Bermuda and the UK).  Here are a few highlights of our first 24 hours at the conference: 

Our festive UA student delegation to SDLC

The Opening session began with a performance by local students

There were several globally themed performances including this Chinese Lion Dance

A Cheerful and Colorful welcome was given by NAIS President, Pat Bassett.

Students from St. John's School of Houston performed a modern Chinese fan dance.

SDLC was opened by the always awesome SDLC Leadership Team.

The Opening Keynote was given by New York Times Columnist, Helene Cooper - She was an inspiration and gave us so many fascinating details about her life and about her work as a journalist covering President Obama.

A local welcome, complete with cowboy boots, was given by Rhonda Durham, Executive Director of ISAS.

Our UA students were eager to begin the day!!!!