HIGH RESOLVES EXPERIENCE AT URSULINE BY COTI GAYLES
Tell me about your experience with High Resolves. How did this experience enhance or enlighten your understanding of inclusion and diversity? Our school community is taking a closer look at inclusion and diversity more so now than ever in our history. How has this experience helped to make a more inclusive community at UA?
How can you apply what you have learned from your experience in the future?
During the 2020-2021 school year, middle and high school students along with high school staff participated in a High Resolves Peak Experience on Identity and Purpose. The intent of this experience was to assist the Academy in reaching its aspirations of creating a more inclusive school community. “High Resolves is a professionally delivered experience focusing on identity and purpose. Students examine how our socialization influences the perceptions we hold of ourselves and others and the impact it can have on our interactions. Students develop the ability to recognize divisive views and behaviors and practice responding in ways that are inclusive. They create their vision for society and identify how their actions can help make it a reality.”
OLIVIA ELAM
M AYA J O H N SO N
ELLO ZOE SCH
The presentation was interactive - it was more like a workshop than a presentation. We were able to discuss biases and work through certain biases that exist without feeling judged.
The activities were actually fun. We learned that if we are intentional about creating relationships and not judging or operating from our biases, oftentimes we can learn we are more alike than we are different.
I was surprised because I really enjoyed it. I learned a lot about how my classmates view the importance of activism. I didn't know we shared similar views. It was refreshing to be in this space and to be able to discuss biases, race, and class issues with my peers.
If we take the time to get to know each other more, we will learn more about each other and have deeper connections. I keep my card with me from the High Resolves activity to remind me of the importance of not being biased and taking the time to be present with others in our community.
I have attended Ursuline since the first grade and this year, I have felt more heard like my experience matters. I feel that the work of the task force will help students feel more heard and more connected to the school. Also, the school is working to have a more diverse staff which is important.
For me, just realizing that so many others at school share similar experiences and beliefs has helped me this school year to know I have allies at school who support things that I support. It is healthy to agree and disagree in a productive way.
My experience with High Resolves helped me to remember that I can find things in common with anyone. The more you talk or get to know someone, you realize most often that you can find commonalities.
There are so many factors other than race. Race matters, but we have to look at everything in the broader picture. I want to be a healthcare professional that is open and inclusive of everyone.
I want to study architecture, which is a white male dominated field, and I am a black young woman. I know I won’t see a lot of women in this field and especially not a lot of black women. This presentation helped me realize that even though I am entering this field as a minority, I can be very successful and I belong.
URSULINE ACADEMY | 10 | THE URSU.LINES | 2020-2021
