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Empowering Unique Learners
Miriam high school students gain new perspectives at MICDS diversity conference
Katie Stalter


Six Miriam High School students had the opportunity to explore diversity from all angles in late February, attending MICDS’ Student Diversity Conference.

The conference, titled “Diversity in Motion: Unity on Every Loop,” was led by students, for students - from MICDS and five other area schools, including Miriam. The schools applied for the opportunity to attend.

Miriam High School Principal Vicki Thurman said she is always looking for the chance to connect with students at other schools to broaden our students’ perspective. “I saw it as an opportunity to not only practice collaboration and social skills, but as a way for them to explore other dimensions of diversity that make up who they are.”

Andrew, Caitlyn and Nyhlaia, three of the Miriam students who attended the conference, all agreed it was a great experience to meet other people and hear different perspectives. 

Throughout the day, students broke into groups for various activities, changing groupings each time. They attended mini learning sessions on topics such as microaggressions and intersectionality. 

“I really wasn’t familiar with microaggressions before this,” Andrew said. “It was really interesting to learn about things like that.” 

They also divided into affinity groups, joining the group with which they identified most. Nyhlaia joined the African American group, which she said was the largest group. 

“I love being around my race,” Nyhlaia said. “I feel like they can relate to me well, and I understand how people treat them.

Andrew, who joined the Asian group, felt similarly, saying, “It was nice talking to people who are similar to me who might share my same experience.”

Caitlyn said she wishes the conference had more representation of disabilities. She said she felt a little bit out of place, as a white female with a disability who identifies with the LGBTQ community. She embraced the discomfort, however.

“It’s perfectly fine, though. You’re going to feel out of place at some times, and it’s ok.” Caitlyn said she really enjoyed hearing others’ perspectives throughout the day.

Karen Cross, a Miriam teacher who accompanied students to the conference, said she is proud of how open and receptive Miriam students were to the whole experience.

In addition to the diversity programming, Andrew said he just loves talking to new people. “I like doing things like that, where you meet new people and make new friends,” he said.

Thurman said she hopes Miriam will have the opportunity to attend the conference again. “We would love to return, and I hope to have the students lead a conversation on neurodiversity acceptance. Our students can bring a perspective of neurodiversity to other populations.”
 

 


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