The African American history tour taught me a lot about the great and too often overlooked contributions of African Americans to US history. We saw many memorials and monuments that represent the many ways that African Americans have dedicated their lives to helping and defending this country, and I am honestly disappointed in myself for not knowing a single one of them until today.
One example is the Mary McLeod Bethune memorial in Lincoln Park. In 1944, she became the highest ranking African American woman in government after President Franklin Roosevelt appointed her director of Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration. She was also a great champion of racial and gender equality, and she was dedicated to helping and teaching African American youths in this country. Until today, I had no idea she ever existed.
Another thing I learned is how much of the United States military was made up of African Americans during the Vietnam War. One quarter of the men in the army were African American, while they only accounted for 12% of the United States population at the time. A total of 7,234 African American soldiers died fighting for our country in Vietnam, and they were treated terribly when they returned.
The last example from the tour took place when we were on the bus and the tour guide, Dré, asked us if we could name one civil rights activist other than Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, and Frederick Douglass. I couldn’t think of any others, but Dré then talked about several activists who made great contributions not just to justice but to science and technology as well. My lack of knowledge showed me that there are many people who have been a part of this movement who did great work but who aren’t recognized as they should. This tour has taught me a lot and given me a lot to think about, and I am glad I got this opportunity.
Today we interviewed Charlotte Clymer. She is a very cool person, and she really illustrates the importance and power of community.
She talked about how a sense of community has made her realize that having solid values is important. I think this is an interesting concept, and it inspires me to participate more in my community and in activities around me. Another thing she said that I find interesting and that has changed how I think is that when I have arguments or conversations with others I should “take a step back and ask if I’m wrong, even if I think I’m completely right.” It’s important to consider if I’m wrong because I expect others to do the same, and if I’m not willing to do so then I can’t expect others to do so either. This is a powerful idea that I had never thought about before, and it makes me want to be more mindful of what I’m saying and recognize that the other party in an argument might be right, and even if they aren’t they still deserve that respect.
Near the end of the interview, I asked her a question about a drink, the French 75, which I found out from an interview online is her favorite drink. The name sounds like it might have some military history, and I learned that it does, as the drink is named after the French 75mm gun. I asked her if she had looked up the history of the drink, and she said she would look more into it. It was one of my favorite moments of the interview because the way she reacted to the question was so funny.
All in all, the interview was amazing, and she said many extremely interesting and important things, and I hope to talk to her again one day.
-Mateo Borrego
Who Am I to Decide That I’m Going to Quit?
Today we spoke with activist Charlotte Clymer. This was the last of our eight interviews, and it felt like the perfect culmination to this incredible week and brought us back to many themes that have been consistent throughout our interviews. I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with Charlotte. She is very educated on the history of social movements. She was also incredibly interested in what we had to say and gave us really thought provoking answers. Just as important, she was hilarious.
Charlotte served in the army for six years, and has since become an activist for LGBTQ+ and feminist rights. As a trans woman and activist in DC who also is religious and grew up in a conservative part of Texas, she has always had a very complex relationship with her identity. I wanted to ask Charlotte about patriotism, because I was curious about what it looks like to perform a deeply patriotic act for your country while also protesting that country’s prejudice towards a marginalized group of which you are a part. Charlotte made it clear that it is possible to do both, and she gave us examples from history. She said that the greatest act of patriotism is being there when your country needs you, and prioritizing your country and Constitution over the prejudice you’ve experienced in times of need. She explained that you are serving a higher purpose that this country is worth defending despite its imperfections.
A theme that we’d brought up in our interview with Linda Ryden is the dangerous idea of cancel culture, and our society’s inability to give someone a second chance when they make a mistake. Charlotte brought this up on her own, telling us she doesn’t believe in cancel culture. She explained that there’s a difference between making mistakes in good faith and bad faith, and that sometimes people just don’t know that they are doing the wrong thing. Additionally, it is crucial that we be able to step back and consider for a second that we could be wrong, because it is what we are expecting the other person to do when we disagree, so we need to give them that same grace. Another theme that came up is the power of difference. Charlotte said, “The way we get better as a country is by noticing nuance and complexity in each other.” Learning to work with people different from us or who we don’t agree with is a crucial ability. The first step is actually recognizing that there are differences so that we can see what everyone can bring to the table. This is crucial, even if we don’t always agree, so that we don’t have blind spots as a society. She explained that it is unhealthy to say things like “race is just made up,” or “gender doesn’t matter,” because it minimizes the importance of our fundamentally unique perspectives. In doing so we are ignoring the truth that we are all different, and we need to use those differences to form a good society.
A theme that had come up talking with another activist this week is that change is slow. Charlotte had a lot to say about this, and I found her views to be inspirational. Referencing the famous quote, “plant the seeds for the trees whose shade we will never enjoy,” she made it clear that you must keep fighting for a future you may not be around to see. Her view is that we have a responsibility to the generation that comes after us because the generation that came before us felt they had a responsibility towards us. Especially as a woman, it’s important for me to remember that many people fought their whole lives to give me the rights I now take for granted. I owe them a lot, and so I owe it to the next generation to do the same thing they did. In other words, it’s about something much bigger than me. As Charlotte said, “Who am I to decide that I’m going to quit?”
-Rosemary Konviser
The Importance of Intention
Charlotte Clymer was the last interview we had in DC, and let me just say it was a great way to end our interview experience. She is very unique. She is from Texas, she is religious, and she has been in the military, but she is also a transgender woman who works as an activist in DC.
Charlotte’s main theme that she kept going back to is intent. She talked a lot about how intent can change the meaning of a mistake. For example, while talking to us she made the mistake of using someone else’s catch phrase without knowing its origins. Although this was a mistake that she could be criticized for, she simply apologized and realized that she had done wrong. Her point is that this was a well-intended mistake: it was not made in order to harm somebody else. This is different than if she wanted to use the catch phrase in order to gain success, especially if she had already known its origins.
I was struck by how she thinks about how other people think. I asked her, “Do you think the rapid progress in LGBTQ+ communities and awareness in the last twenty years has led to the mass hate and criticism it’s facing today in political spaces?” She said yes, that a lot of people who disagree with LGBTQ+ are usually well-intended people, but they have become ashamed at not understanding LGBTQ+ people. Of course, this isn’t always the case, but it’s important to remember that some people are confused and ashamed of their lack of understanding, and they are not fully able to sit with the uncomfortableness of seeing someone different from themselves.
It’s obvious to me that Charlotte has lived through different variations of identities, since she is both understanding and compassionate to those who are different from her. It was great to hear from someone so educated and full of understanding.
Licy Do Canto speaks with clarity and humility, and it seemed that he spoke not to seek attention but connection. Listening to him reminded us that leadership is not about status but about service and self awareness.
He began by stressing the importance of being yourself. In a world where many feel pressured to fit in or perform, he reminded us that our greatest strength lies in showing up as we truly are. Authenticity is not only powerful but necessary. He also reflected on how each generation often believes it is living through the worst of times. While the challenges are real, this perspective can cloud our ability to see hope, to act, and to move forward. History shows that change is possible, but only if we believe in it. He also emphasized that true leadership means helping others become better people. In doing so, we help create better leaders. Listening, he said, is at the heart of leadership.
A thoughtful speaker must first be a thoughtful listener. He spoke about vulnerability, especially in spaces like Washington, DC, where it is often scarce but badly needed. People crave honesty and real connection. Being open is not a weakness but a strength. He also noted that we can learn much about a person by the company they keep. Surrounding oneself with wise, thoughtful people leads to personal growth and better decisions. His message was clear: being somebody is not about titles or applause; it’s about showing up with purpose, honesty, and heart.
-Gage Saul
What Divides Us Is the Thing That Brings Us Together
Before going to DC, when we were assigned people to research, I was assigned Ray Suarez instead of Licy Do Canto. I got so busy researching him that I didn’t do much research on Mr. Do Canto. That would change the night before we were assigned to interview him, as I was able to do some research and write a question that Shannon complimented. It was the highest compliment I would get about a question the entire trip, and it made me excited to talk with him.
The next day, we went to his office building, and as we were waiting outside, he found us. My first impression of him was positive. He seemed outgoing and very interested in us. When we finally got to the meeting room and he began speaking, he was very talkative and friendly. He had a lot to say about religion, our potential as young people, how he was once in our shoes, and his background and career. He talked about how walking Ted Kennendy’s dog was “the most important job I had ever had.” He also talked about Walt Disney’s original deal with NBC to make the point that you need to deal with challenges in order to achieve success. Walt Disney had been rejected many times before he made the deal with NBC, but he eventually became incredibly successful. He also talked about how he was taught by his mentors to never repeat himself in a conversation, and how he got a job working for Rep. Barney Frank after an interview that lasted only three and a half minutes. Finally, he talked about the current situation in this country and stated, “What divides us is the thing that brings us together.”
-Kyler Nishimura
Shoot For the Stars
Of all the brilliant people we interviewed, Licy Do Canto was the most excited to talk to us. He said that he saw himself in all of us and felt strongly we were all the same, but that he is just “a bit further down the road” than we are. He spoke a lot about what was fulfilling to him and what really matters to him. He spoke passionately about providing opportunities for young people and supporting and lifting up those in need. When asked how he feels about running for a position of power in this country, he replied, “The highest privilege I could ever have is sitting in front of you.”
A common thread running through all of our interviews is the power of community and human connections. To be honest, before coming to DC, I pictured the city as intimidating and full of self-important people who prioritize their own personal agendas over everything else. However, what I’ve found to be true is the complete opposite, and the interview with Mr. Do Canto really confirmed that view. He has built his career in DC on connections. He advises interesting people who know other interesting people with whom he can connect, and the network of interesting people grows wider. He stated, “It’s important to have inspiration in one’s life, to be around people who inspire you to be better than you ever thought you could be.”
Talking with Licy was the first time I could picture myself sitting in the chair he was sitting in. Throughout the week, and as we talked to more people, I have been falling more and more in love with the idea of living in DC. The connections people build, the things they are able to accomplish, and the success they can achieve through the resources the city provides is impressive and extremely tempting. The good in DC is so good, and I love the idea that I could be a part of it. He also stated that “vulnerability in this town is in short supply and high demand.” It’s exciting to think that I could be someone who brings that sort of vulnerability to DC, that I could, as he said, “be in places where I can contribute in a significant and impactful way.”
He also talked a lot about going as far as you can with what you’ve been given in life, to “embrace the opportunity to contribute with the talents [God] gave you.” Finally, he talked about a mentor he had growing up who told him to “shoot-for the stars,” beyond local policy and government, and move to DC, where he is now in a position to be the person who connects us with other star-shooters and impressive people doing amazing things in this amazing city.
Mwandeyi Kamwendo is an articulate, positive, and matter of fact person. She works as an advocate for fighting climate change. I found her to be a refreshing change from previous interactions I’ve had with climate activists. She spoke with true passion, yet she was calm, cool, and collected as she discussed climate issues. I found this attitude quite impressive, because the current state of our climate is anything but calm, cool, and collected. Growing up in foreign countries before moving to the U.S. for college gave her a very clear view on what it means to be a U.S. citizen. “Advocacy is a privilege,” she stated, as is being able to create your own open-ended definition of patriotism. She noted that the U.S. is a powerful country and that “with great power comes great responsibility.”
She talked a lot about how important community is, stating, “Empowerment comes from connection and exchange of ideas.” Even working in your local community with local leaders is super important and is an easy way to start participating in advocacy and sparking real change. I think this was new and surprising advice for most of us, as there was an awkward silence after she asked us if we knew who our county district supervisors are. She spoke clearly about how easy and productive it is to start advocating in your community: “The antidote to despair is community.”
She spoke with an assuredness and satisfaction in her work, without urgency or ego, with an understanding that true change takes time. She said that it can take generations and that it’s an honor to work both with people who have been working for social change for years and with younger generations who bring new perspectives and recognize new problems. She is the first person we’ve talked to who added to the sentiment that we are tired of hearing, “You are the hope.” She said, “You are the hope, and you will never be alone.” There will always be people younger than you who are joining the struggle to create a better future.
She approached activism in a refreshing and logical way that left me feeling at ease with the slow rate of progress and how important it is not to feel overwhelmed by the tragedies of the world. Everyone should become involved wherever they can, as “our superpowers are our own unique stories and experiences.”
-Lucy Yen
Our Greatest Power Is Our Stories
Mwandeyi Kamwendo spoke about activism, and her words carried great weight. What struck me during the interview is how she reminds us that our greatest power may be the stories we carry with us. Stories shape how we see the world and how we reach one another. Stories are not just words; they are tools. If we can find the part of our story that speaks to someone else, we can build connections, and that’s where change starts.
She spoke about how the internet has made the world smaller. What happens far away touches us now, whether we notice it or not. And while this connection brings challenges, it also brings strength. We can share our thoughts, hear from others, and grow. We do not have to agree, and being challenged makes us better. Mwanedeyi reminded us that knowledge is what truly drives change. To lead, to grow, or to speak with meaning we must learn, and learning involves listening.
Taking the time to see the world through someone else’s eyes is not a weakness but the first step toward real understanding. I really liked what she said about young people. The world tells us that we are too young, too new, too unsure to be helpful. However, she says, the young are the leaders of tomorrow. They may not have long histories, but they have something else, a vision of what the future can be, as they are not trapped by old ways.
-Gage Saul
Empowerment Comes From Connection Despite Difference
Today we spoke with climate activist Mwandeyi Kamwendo. It was really valuable to speak to somebody early in her career here in DC, and to get specific insights into her college and early career experience. As young people, we enjoyed hearing a view of activism from the perspective of another young person. Mwandeyi is incredibly articulate, and of the people we interviewed this week so far, she is one of the most adept at hearing exactly the question that is being asked and specifically addressing each point of the question.
Mwandeyi encouraged us to value our unique voices and perspectives as young people, explaining that we have a lack of experience but not a lack of perspective. In fact, in activism, young people’s perspectives are extremely valuable, maybe even because they lack that experience. She made it clear that our superpowers are our unique experiences and stories, and that we are who we are. She told us we need to be very clear about our values and rely on moral clarity to help us make decisions. When talking about the current state of our country and the new administration, she said, “Don’t take this moment as a reason to stop engaging, but rather as proof that our voices are important.” I think this is crucial because it can be very easy to give up hope in times like these instead of realizing that our voices have never been more needed.
A theme that came up later in the interview is the extreme level of global interconnection we are experiencing now, whether economically, politically, or digitally. While it is very useful for activism in some ways, it is also dangerous because the effects of actions in one region or country are inevitably felt all around the world. She stated, “The climate doesn’t recognize borders.” Often we feel isolated, that our actions aren’t going to affect others or ourselves, but the truth is that everything is connected. Even the people who aren’t currently affected by climate change are still in the same boat as everybody else. Although our actions can have negative effects around the world, they can also have positive effects, and given our high level of global connectivity, good actions also spread quickly: “Empowerment comes from connection and exchange of ideas.”
These themes have been prevalent throughout the interviews this week. Change is much easier when we’re not alone and when we’re able to look past our differences and collaborate. She advised against assuming that everyone agrees with you, and instead urged us to be open to new perspectives, because doing so only strengthens us.
Before today I had no idea what the Pentagon is or what it is for. I just thought that It was a strangely shaped government building that did some very important things. From the second I first stepped into that building I was shocked at the range of people who work there. There are many people doing different and very important tasks that help our country to function and to remain safe. Seeing so many people doing so many good things in one place gave me hope for our country because it showed me that the American people can find ways to work together no matter how different we are as long as we have a common goal.
All the people that we talked to while in the Pentagon were so true to themselves and their mission, and it was incredibly inspiring. Officer Jackson, the person who set up our visit, is a retired army soldier who now works at the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, the police force at the Pentagon. He said his goal is to help as many people as possible no matter what that entails. He said even if it is just giving someone directions while on patrol, he feels satisfied that he has done his job.
We also interviewed Officer Jackson’s boss, the agency chief. He said his purpose is to provide resources to his staff to keep people like Officer Jackson ready for whatever they have to deal with. Helping others is what makes him feel he is doing his duty and fulfilling his mission. Finally, we talked to a NBC reporter, who works at the Pentagon and has reported from combat zones. She said that even though her job is sometimes dangerous, the benefits that come from bringing the truth to the people of America justify the risks she takes.
In general, I was impressed with the pure resolve that the people who work in the Pentagon exhibit. They have given me a little more trust in the government and shown that even in this difficult political situation there are still a lot of people in government doing a lot of good.
-Nikowa D’Costa-Hemp
A Surprising Realization
Today we went to the Pentagon, where we were given a tour by Officer Jackson.
When I started the day, I knew nothing about the Pentagon besides that it is somehow related to the government. We talked to a number of people, including Corey Walton, chief of staff of the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, and a NBC correspondent. Until today, I had only seen the government and military as depicted in TV shows and movies, usually portrayed as hard, rough people. However, what I saw today was completely different. Corey’s enthusiastic presence and obvious love for his job lifted the room. He explained his job in a way that made me think I would love it too if it were my job.
Before visiting the Pentagon, I thought joining the military seemed like you were just giving away your life and independence. However, I now see that joining the military is not really like that; it’s willingly choosing to devote your energy and life to a greater good. Every military member I talked to was genuinely excited and interested to talk to me, and more than happy to answer any questions I had. I learned a lot, and I left the Pentagon with a newfound interest, as I’m now seriously considering joining the military airforce (Sorry, Mom).
-Lennon Smith
Our Visit to the Pentagon
Our visit to the Pentagon was a mix of formal and informal, which was unexpected. As someone who likes a comfortable work environment, I never imagined that working there could feel like a viable option.
Our morning started early with us getting dressed in our suits and gathering for breakfast. We were all excited as we rode the Metro. We had to follow the routine security procedures like those at an airport. Belts, jackets, phones all went into bins and rolled through the scanning machines as we passed through security checks.
Our guide for the day was Officer Jackson from the Pentagon Force Protection Agency. We began by entering an office, leaving our devices behind, and engaging in an insightful conversation with Corey Walton, the Chief of Staff of the agency. Corey shared anecdotes of his work and the ways in which individuals attempted to break Pentagon security.
After the interview we ate delectable Lebanese cuisine and I had a mango lassi at the Pentagon food court. Then we posed for photos with Mr. Jackson and Mr. Corey and then we visited the 9/11 memorial, where Mr. Jackson told about his Army team’s experiences during that tragic event. We stood in silence at the site where one of the planes had struck the Pentagon.
Finally, Officer Jackson talked about the new Space Force, and we saw models and he shared fascinating facts about it. We wrapped up our visit with a stop at the Pentagon gift shop. We said goodbye and headed back home on the Metro, reminiscing about our amazing experience at the Pentagon.
-Hans Hagge
In Service of the Truth
I was incredibly nervous to visit the Pentagon. Throughout the week, and especially in the beginning, I was very intimidated by my interviewees. However, I’ve become more comfortable interviewing people. Similarly, the longer I spent at the Pentagon, the more comfortable I became.
The impromptu interviews there were some of the most transformative I’ve had during my time in DC. My favorite interview at the Pentagon was with an NBC Pentagon correspondent. I have long considered being a reporter, and talking to her confirmed my desire to become one, and now I want more than ever to pursue that career.
Throughout our DC trip, the topic of service to something higher than oneself has been discussed. I bring this up because the NBC correspondent recounted her time as an embedded reporter covering foreign wars, where she faced constant danger. Hearing her story gave me a new understanding of what it means to take risks in the service of the truth, of others, and of something bigger than yourself. It’s one thing to report the news from the safety of a studio; it’s another thing entirely to live in the uncertainty of war zones, guided only by the purpose of informing the world.
For me, the Pentagon doesn’t just symbolize power and bureaucracy; it is a space where people devote themselves to something that is far more important than personal gain, serving the greater good. The journalist who risks her life to tell a story and the police officer who dedicates his life to public service both share a sense of duty that makes me rethink what kind of life I want to live.
-Eli Moody
The Pentagon, Public Service, and Lebanese Food
I was already familiar with the Pentagon before we went there. I had read several books on it, including one about 9/11, and I had even been to the Pentagon once, although I was unable to go inside. I was therefore most excited to visit the Pentagon, and I was not disappointed.
We took the Metro, and we arrived on time. We were met by our guide, Officer Anthony Jackson, who works for the Pentagon police force. He led us inside, where we took some pictures and met a therapy dog named Charlie. He had apparently not become an actual service dog because he was “too motivated by food.” After that, we went to Officer Jackson’s office, and we got to interview his boss. He was very nice, and along with Officer Jackson, he was very dedicated to his job and service to others. He was also very interested in talking to us.
After our impromptu interview with the police chief, we had another unexpected interview, this time with a correspondent from NBC. She has been to numerous countries, and has served as a war correspondent. She is a highly impressive woman, and I was struck by her sense of service to others. I was also impressed by her work commitment and the positive nature she radiated for her interview. Afterwards we got Lebanese food, which I was fortunately able to eat, as I am gluten free. What was even more surprising was that it was great, and I ended up saving some for leftovers.
Finally, we went to the 9/11 memorial, and I found out that Officer Jackson had been at the Pentagon as a soldier to help with the aftermath of the attack. He and his Army platoon were there for several weeks, helping to clean up. As we left, I was struck by one last thing, that my keen interest—almost an obsession—in military history felt validated.
If People Don’t Accept You For Who You Are, They Aren’t Meant To Be In Your Life
This afternoon we interviewed Brishonne Tollie, a former student-athlete who now works for the Brady Center, which focuses on minimizing gun violence.
What resonated most with me is what she said about growing up feeling different from others. She talked about how she didn’t fully feel accepted in black spaces but also didn’t feel accepted in white spaces. Although I am not African-American and cannot know exactly what her experience has been like, I do understand how it feels not to be accepted in places. She talked about how it feels to be taller and “weirder” than others, and I completely understood how that feels. Being extroverted, loud, and “weird” can be uncomfortable for others. She said that if people in your life don’t accept you for who you are, then they aren’t meant to be in your life anyway. I really want to incorporate this idea into my life.
I also loved what she had to say about selflessness. Sometimes thinking about fighting against what’s going on right now seems tiring, as it feels like we have to do a crazy amount of work and protesting in order to create positive change, but Brishonne said that it’s best to incorporate selflessness into your daily life. She said that doing things such as donating food to charity or picking up your friends at the airport are examples of selfless acts that also can contribute to making the world a better place. She also stated that it’s often easier to learn from people who have been through hard times than from people who have had an easy life. It is tempting to copy what another person is doing in order to have a life as “good” as theirs appears to be, but in order to grow you must learn from other people’s mistakes.
I learned much from Brishonne, and I think when she gets older she is going to be a well-known figure.
-Cora Kayne
Justice Is Not Something That Happens By Accident
Brishonne Tollie was incredibly down to earth. I especially enjoyed the second half of her interview, as she opened up to us and gave a quotation that will stick with me for a long time: “Justice is not something that happens by accident.” I could go on for hours about this idea, and I thank Kyler for what he had to say about it as well. The quotation can mean many things, but what struck me immediately is that in order to make things right, you have to work hard, and in order for us to achieve the greatness our founding fathers intended for our nation, we must work hard together.
A similar point she made is that activism and working for justice does not have to mean going to rallies and doing other difficult things. It can mean more everyday things like driving your friend to the airport or simply showing love and kindness to others. At the end of the day, that’s the only way this world and our nation gets better. It doesn’t happen by accident, and it certainly won’t happen while we are locked away in our houses, isolated and furious at each other, waiting for things to improve. We have to choose to open our hearts and to be at peace with others. If we know that we have treated each other with the kindness we all deserve, there is a high chance it will be returned. However, even if it is not returned, if we put our best foot forward, then we can take comfort in knowing we did our best no matter what happens. One of yesterday’s interviewees, Regginald Hubbard, stated similarly that “kindness begets kindness, and justice begets justice.” Seeking justice and displaying kindness can be difficult, especially when there are those that do not do the same, but not only is it the right thing to do, but it is essential that we do it. It’s how we begin to heal, how we begin to build, and how we make sure that real justice isn’t left to chance, but is a collective choice.
-Eli Moody
Of the people we researched for this trip, I felt that I knew the most about Brishonne Tollie. I had done a lot of research for our questions for her, and I became very interested in interviewing her. All of my questions made sense, as I had extensively rehearsed them beforehand. By the time that we met her, I felt prepared. I had a hard time paying attention and focusing in the previous interviews, but I felt much better going into this interview. I was chosen to read the introduction for the interview, which I had never done before, and I felt good doing it.
I was not disappointed by her interview. She spoke quickly but in a way that was easily understandable. When she got to my question, which was about preparing for college as a high schooler, she answered in a way that I could understand, although what she said scared me a little. She talked about having her parents involved in almost every aspect of her life while she lived at home and how difficult it was to adapt to having freedom in college. I have worried about making that transition myself, wondering what will happen if I fail at being independent. However, I was relieved to hear that, despite the difficulties that she had adapting to college life, she turned out fine and has a successful career doing what she loves.
I want to conclude by quoting what she had to say about the power of activism. While talking about her work with In Defense of Black Lives Dallas, she stated that “justice is not something that happens by accident.” If we want to change the world, we have to work hard to change it.
The Game Only Works If Both Sides Are Playing By the Rules
We started today, our second full day of the trip, with our interview with Ray Suarez. This has been the interview I’ve been anticipating since we started researching for him. It started when I read his book to prepare better for this interview, and I was really inspired by it.
During our interview he gave us the hard truth, not sugar coated or lightly touched on. He went into great depth and explained everything he said. I felt like I fully understood what he said. My favorite part of what he said was about our government. As a young person, my main worry is what’s going to be left of the government when I’m older. A lot of people tell me that we are the hope, but it just feels like they don’t acknowledge what’s being left to us. However, he was serious with us, and he told us that our government no longer plays by the rules set by the Constitution, and there might not be a lot left for us. It was really refreshing to hear this kind of honesty. My favorite quote from him about the government right now is that “The game only works if both sides are playing by the rules.”
-Lennon Smith
On the “Untruth” Business
I am very thankful for Ray Suarez’s point of view and knowledge of politics. He is very straightforward with his opinions, and he explained what is happening in our current government in such a clear way that made it possible for me to understand.
For example, he talked about how the president has committed crimes yet still was re-elected, and he explained to us how this became possible. He said that the president can only get away with crimes because the supreme court has ruled that everything he does in office is an official action, so he can’t be charged with anything that he does in office. Mr. Suarez also explained that nobody in this country has the guts to stand up to him, which means that he can break as many rules as he wants, and nobody is going to stop him. He discussed these terrible things in such a straightforward way that I could wrap my head around it all, so that I can stop wondering about what is happening and start making moves towards helping to fix the problem.
Mr. Suarez also spoke a lot about misinformation in the news. He stated that the media is turning into a “untruth business,” and some of the large news companies are spreading lies in news stories. After he spoke about this issue, I asked him where we should get our information and what media we can trust. He said that as long as you get your information from many different sources, you will likely get something close to the truth. I really appreciate this insight, especially from an accomplished reporter and writer.
Overall, I really enjoyed this interview and am very thankful for the opinions, insight, and knowledge that he shared with us today.
-Nikowa D’Costa Hemp
Cheering When Your Country Is Right; Speaking Up When Your Country Is Wrong
Today we interviewed Ray Suarez. He described politics and everything that is going on in our government at the moment very clearly. It amazes and frightens me what is going on right now. He talked about what our greatest threat to democracy is and said, “Our greatest threat to our democracy is strong men who think that when you’re high up in office the rules don’t apply to you.” This is relevant to our administration today, because the president has used his power to do what he wants, and nobody in government has the guts to confront him and do something about it.
Our current administration knows this and does what it pleases simply because it can. Mr. Suarez said, “The rules of the game only apply if all the people on the field recognize the rules.” When these rules are not recognized, the system falls apart, and no one really knows what to do about it. That’s how the current administration is getting away with crimes and unconstitutional acts. I’m glad he talked about these things. It has opened my mind and made me more aware of the dire situation in our country right now.
Another important thing that he said is that many people no longer know how to exhibit patriotism, which according to Mr. Suarez involves “cheering for your country when it is right, and speaking up when your country is wrong.” I think we need this concept of patriotism today, since our country is not doing well, and we don’t have enough people speaking up about what is wrong. I thank Ray Suarez for enlightening me and for being so “real” with us.
-Mateo Borrego
If We Forget What They Stood For, We Risk Losing What They Built
Ray Suarez shared some honest thoughts about where we are now as a country. He spoke about how people act and what has changed regarding the law, the truth, and how we treat each other.
He said that today when someone says, “I think you’re wrong,” they often conclude that “because you are wrong, you are bad.” Political discussion is no longer about ideas but about who you are as a person, which makes it harder to talk, learn, or change. Mr. Suarez also spoke about how more people now say they don’t need to follow the rules, because “the rules are what got us into this mess.” They often think that the old ways have failed us, so why follow them? However, he warned that this kind of thinking is risky and a big shift from the tradition of “following the rules.” He also stated that people no longer trust what news media report. Clear facts are questioned, and lies are louder. The “untruth business,” as he calls it, is growing fast and strong. Mr. Suarez also pointed out that some people now treat rules as if they’re just habits and not something that holds us together. While voters once picked their leaders, leaders now try to pick their voters, flipping democracy on its head. To really know someone, he said, you must listen to people who are made to feel safe and calm. In this loud and tense time, that’s a lesson we need more than ever. Mr. Suarez reminds us that when we turn from truth, ignore the rules, and stop trusting each other, we’re not just changing the present, but we’re turning our backs on the past. We betray the history of those who worked, hoped, and fought for a better way.
If we forget what they stood for, we risk losing what they built.
-Gage Saul
A Moment of Supreme Danger
I think we interviewed Ray Suarez at the perfect time. He is a wealth of information, without affiliation to any news organization. He was very candid about what he thinks is happening in politics during this unique time.
He described the U.S. government today as like a game where not all the players feel the need to play by the rules. Using frightening examples, he described at length how the president and his administration continually push the limits to what they can get away with. Deciding that they don’t need to play by the rules has unfortunately shown that “you can prosper without playing by the rules.” He did not sugarcoat his opinions, but candidly stated that although he is not prone to hyperbole, he thinks we are in “a moment of supreme danger.”
When asked about what he thinks patriotism is, he responded by saying that patriotism involves recognizing the importance of disagreement and compromise. However, we no longer simply have disagreements, but have shifted from saying “I think you’re wrong” to “I think you’re wrong, and therefore you are bad.” This shift leads to a “winner takes all” kind of government: “Our muscles of civic engagement are atrophying because of a ‘winner takes all attitude’ … Anointing a strongman, and letting him do whatever he wants, [is] flirting with a ‘winner takes all’ kind of government.’” We are moving dangerously close to an authoritarian government, and we have become “flippant about walking into it.”
I appreciate how candid he is and that he did not patronize us by saying things like “You all are the future” or “Just vote!” He acknowledged there are bigger issues at hand, and there isn’t an obvious solution to our problems yet. It is a refreshing way to discuss politics, and it is more productive than hopeful commentary or hopeless despair, neither of which offers a solution or a direction forward.
-Lucy Yen
Flirting With Strongman Government
Today we had the distinct pleasure of meeting with journalist Ray Suarez. He has decades of experience as a reporter, and he is one of the most educated, well spoken, thoughtful, and level-headed people I’ve ever met. We expect that every interviewee is going to respond differently to our questions, but this interview in particular ended up going in a very different direction from the others we’d done so far. We quickly adjusted to Mr. Suarez’s manner of speaking and his fascinating and comprehensive answers to our questions. It felt like a lot of pressure was removed because he had a lot to say about every single thing that we asked him. Even then, no matter how long he talked, he never lost my interest; he always returned to the main point.
Within the first few minutes of the interview, Mr. Suarez’s explanations sparked a deep curiosity in me and had me itching to ask follow-up questions that I hadn’t written down. When Shannon suggested that we go in a new direction and abandon our scripts, it felt like the perfect decision to me. There isn’t a lot of personal information about him online that we could dig into in our research, so the questions we had prepared no longer felt relevant in the context of our conversation. We didn’t want to disrupt him by changing topics.
Mr. Suarez spoke a lot about the division in our country and the spread of misinformation that journalists—those in the “truth business”—face from the ever growing “untruth business.” He stated that today we have a “winner take all” kind of politics that results from the all too common experience of thinking that if someone is “wrong” in their politics then they are bad people. “Our muscles of civil engagement are atrophying because of winner takes all.” The conversation turned to the current state of our democracy and the Trump administration. Mr. Suarez stated that the greatest threat to our democracy right now is the belief that when you reach high office, rules are optional. He stated that we’re “flirting with strongman government.” What the Trump administration is doing is dangerous because “rules” only work if both sides are willing to follow them, a point he repeatedly returned to throughout the interview. While there have been other dangerous administrations in our past, including the Nixon administration, there was always some acknowledgement of the importance of rules. Until recently, there’s always been an expectation that rules apply, but now we are seeing that some of the “rules” were simply customs or traditions willingly observed by both sides.
Mr. Suarez shared many more insights into the state of our government and politics and the future of our country that I wish I could share. I appreciate that he backed up everything he said with facts and spoke in an educated and informed manner that is very persuasive. The main thing that I appreciate from the interview is Mr. Suarez’s bluntness. He stated honestly that he doesn’t know if we’re going to overcome our current situation, and that he isn’t sure what we’re supposed to do about it. He called this a time of supreme danger, and he had made it clear that he says this as someone who is not given to hyperbole. I really appreciate his bluntness, because it seems naive to continue to believe that everything will be okay when there really is no guarantee that it will. Instead of scaring me, his words were refreshing, because I think knowing the gravity of the situation is the crucial first step towards improving it. I learned that the best thing I can do right now to fight is to have a balanced “information diet,” as he calls it, to become well-informed on what is happening in the White House.
We Don’t Have Political Problems; We Have Spiritual Problems with Political Consequences
Wow. The only word I can use is “wow.” Reginald Hubbard gave both the craziest and most beautiful interview I have ever experienced. When doing research on Reginald, I was a little confused about his main focus.
This changed when I found his Instagram, where he posts his ideas and stories about how he found mindfulness and how he shares it with others. I was really curious to see how he is in person. When he arrived, I was surprised at how honest he was with us right from the start. We openly stated that he had had a stroke, and I think his openness motivated me to be honest and real with my questions.
Reggie talked a lot about how heartbreak should be “normalized,” and I couldn’t agree more. We all place ourselves under great pressure and shame for feeling emotions, because we may not be comfortable with them, but how much better of a world would we have if we were all honest with each other and ourselves? It would be incredible. Similarly, he said that our world doesn’t have political problems; instead, we have spiritual problems with political consequences. We all have our own pain, but too often we are told to suppress it and not reveal it, which leads to social and political problems, such as hatred towards other groups of people. How would our politicians be today if they truly expressed their emotions and if it were normal for everyone to share what was happening for them? There would likely be much less hatred expressed by so many politicians if they too didn’t feel shame about their pain and their heartbreaks.
There isn’t truly a political problem; we have to look at the root cause of political problems: spiritual problems.
-Cora Kayne
Life Is ”Both … And,” Not “Either … Or”
We have had three interviews so far, and the self-proclaimed “Bad Boy of Yoga,” Reginald Hubbard, is and likely will remain my favorite interviewee.
It was incredible to listen to such an educated, down to earth, wise, and intelligent man open my mind to information and perspectives I hadn’t even begun to consider before. It was a truly transformative experience. I can’t underscore it enough, and to think that it happened in only an hour and half is crazy. My favorite line of his: “So many people think of heartbreak as the end of the story. I see it as only the beginning.” This is a beautiful thing to say. To think that a gut-wrenching goodbye can be seen as something positive is quite foreign to me. My way of viewing things up to now has been that bad things are something that you just have to endure if you can. Maybe you come out of it, and maybe you don’t. Even if you survive, you might still be worse off for it. Reginald calls this “either … or” thinking. However, he argues, life is really “both … and.” I can experience the worst time of my life, and it is only my mindset that keeps me from having a positively transformative experience as well. I can choose not to open myself up to anyone again after having my heart broken, or I can choose to see the beauty in heartbreak as well. I do not just have to be miserable; I can be happy at the same time. I can be crying my eyes out over having lost a loved one and still take time to experience the beauty of a butterfly in flight. There can be sadness and happiness; something can be disgusting and charming.
I want never to forget this interview. With hate so prevalent in this world, I need to know that love can exist right beside it, and love can then have the final word.
-Eli Moody
Just Because Something Is Bad Doesn’t Mean It’s Bad for You
Our interview with Reginald Hubbard is the highlight of my week so far, and I don’t think that will change. We began with a meditation practice to calm ourselves and focus in peace and not be overwhelmed by our thoughts. He talked about so many things, all of which had me on the edge of my seat, eager to hear what he was going to say next.
Reginald is a strong man who knows his worth and is willing to stand up for himself to anybody who might seek to diminish him. I asked him how he handles being in a place where people don’t want him, as he is African American, educated, and unafraid to say what he thinks and feels. He stated that “I don’t fear them,” because “fear is all they have,” and others “can only control you if you fear them.” I find this idea incredibly powerful, because it’s true. Now I believe that when you learn not to fear people who don’t value you, you are really in your own league and can‘t be hurt by them.
Reginald made so many meaningful statements that inspire me that I can’t talk about them all in this blog post. “Just because something is bad doesn’t mean it’s bad for you, and just because something is good doesn’t mean it’s good for you.” I am really inspired by this statement because even when bad things happen to you that bring you down, they can be part of a journey to something better. I think this idea will sit with me for the rest of my life. “Heartbreak isn’t the end of the story; it’s just the beginning.” This statement also hit me really hard. I have gone through heartbreak many times in my life. Hearing him talk about how even in terrible times I can still look at the good in life really spoke to me deep in my soul, and I thank Reggie so much for speaking with us today and opening my eyes to so much. Finally, “You can’t get past healing; you have to go through it.” This statement made me realize that I can’t just bottle things up and hide my feelings. I need to “go through” and live experiences so I can truly heal.
I want to say thank you to Reggie from the bottom of my soul, and I recommend checking him out online, because he’s amazing.
-Mateo Borrego
If We Avoid the Hard Stuff, We Don’t Deserve to Grow
It is extremely difficult for me to put into words the intense energy in the room with us during our interview with Reggie Hubbard. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it sure wasn’t the level of vulnerability, sincerity, profoundness, relatability, and wisdom with which he greeted us. I was in awe with everything that came out of this man’s mouth. I could never do justice to any of the concepts and lessons he gifted us with, but I will do my best to put some of them into words. Practically every single sentence he spoke was quotable, and I scrambled to write it all down because I knew it was life-changing material. I will share just a few of my many takeaways from our conversation.
The first thing that became evident about Reggie is his fearlessness and his ability to know his own worth and call other people out who might belittle him. As a stroke survivor, he came back from being inches from death and realized that he wasn’t going to let anyone stand on his words or push him around. He realizes that the only power that the people who are doing terrible things in our country right now hold is fear. “If I’m not afraid of you, you have no power over me.” He also stated that truth always wins, but it has to be spoken. He stated further that we need to recognize that something sucks when it sucks, but then we must ask ourselves, “What doesn’t suck?” Alongside the bad there is almost always good. His views on what is happening in our country give me hope by helping to take power away from those people who scare me and helping me trust that the truth will win if we are unafraid to speak it.
Another important topic in the interview was heartbreak. He explained that heartbreak is the beginning of a story, not the end, and that heartbreak and emotions are what make the good parts of life beautiful: “Life is not either-or; It’s both-and … life is both joys and sorrows.” He emphasized giving yourself permission to feel what you feel, because feelings exist to be recognized. We have to feel our emotions, and we have to talk about them. “If we avoid the hard stuff, we don’t deserve to grow.” We have to make space for heartbreak and pain, and when we encounter them, we have to exercise discernment, using our wisdom to determine the best course forward. Reggie’s stroke taught him to find joy in the simplest things, like walking and breathing the fresh air outside. I will always remember something said: “Every time you feel as though nothing is going right, listen to the birds sing.”
There are many more things from our interview with Reggie that I wish I could share, and I hope that I can carry them with me and remember the feeling in the room when we spoke with him. I will also take with me the simple and unique form of meditation using sound bowls that he guided us through. It was beautiful and unlike any “mindfulness” practice I’d encountered before, and it was a crucial part of his incredible stroke recovery. I could feel the impact of Reggie’s words on every single person in the room, and I could tell that he is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of human to meet. In a time when I’ve been feeling incredibly scared, angry, confused, and unsure of the future, I am so grateful to speak with thoughtful leaders like Reggie, whose work is giving me a new feeling: hope.
-Rosemary Konviser
On Rethinking Everything
The Reginald Hubbard interview made me rethink everything that is currently going on in my life.
The first question I asked him was about grief and how we need to help people who are going through hard times. The first example he brought up was suicide and how more than ever young people are killing themselves, and he spoke about how we can help others in times of need. That was the perfect response, since it is the exact issue I was thinking about when I wrote the question. I thought about my friend Kalden and what I could have done differently that could have maybe changed his mind and saved his life. However, there is no way we can know that things would have been different if I had said something, and this is exactly what I needed to hear. Honestly, his words are life-changing for me.
In an answer to a different question he talked about his stroke and how having a near-death experience has changed his life and point of view. This idea made me rethink everything about my dad. Last year, my dad, who has an autoimmune disease, went to Mexico and came back with bacterial pneumonia. His body was not equipped to fight it, and he said himself that he was “inches away” from death. I haven’t talked much to my dad, or anyone else, about this event because neither of us is good at talking about emotions and what is going on in our lives. I also didn’t want to talk to him about it because ever since he recovered we have not been getting along very well at all. After listening to Reggie talk about his near-death experience, I realize both what my dad has been going through and how important it is for people around you to be accepting if you are going through something that is life-changing. Just hearing Reggie talk about his experience made me rethink my relationship with my father, and for that I am deeply grateful.
That these two examples perfectly align with what I am going through in my life right now is one of the most magical and inspiring things that I have ever experienced. This interview has fully changed my perspective, and that is exactly what I was hoping would happen on this trip. I am so grateful that I met and spoke with Reggie. It was genuinely life changing.
-Nikowa D’Costa-Hemp
When Everything is Urgent, Nothing Is Important
Reginald Hubbard offers a grounded and brutally honest perspective on healing, emotion, and everyday life.
His thoughts are simple but speak deeply to the heart. He begins by welcoming pain instead of pushing it away. Heartbreak, he says, belongs in the room. There is no need to hide it or feel ashamed. Pain is part of the human experience. Healing, in his view, is not something to pass like a test. It is something to move through and experience. There are no shortcuts, only steady steps forward. He also speaks about urgency and focus: when everything feels urgent, nothing stands out as truly important. Slowing down helps us see what actually matters. Reginald points to the present as the only real moment we have. Neither the past nor the future are real. The present is where life happens.
Honesty is another key part of his message. Lying to yourself will not change reality. Healing starts with truth, even when it is uncomfortable. He encourages people to accept their emotions without judgment. Feeling broken is not a failure; it is normal. Not being okay is okay. Joy, he reminds us, can be found in small and basic things. A quiet breath, a walk, or even a soft moment of peace can bring light. Life is not about choosing between joy or sorrow. Life includes both. They can and must exist together. He challenges us to look not exclusively for what is going wrong. If we only focus on the bad, the bad is all we will see. Even in hard times, something is still going well.
Reginald also speaks about fear and how it can shape our lives. If we are not afraid, the things that might control us lose their power. Fear does not have to lead the way. We can feel it, but we do not have to follow it. His words are not just ideas; they are tools. They help us slow down, breathe, and notice what is real. They remind us that we are not alone, even in the hard times. What stands out most to me is how he brings things back to the simple and true. Life is not just one thing. It is joy and sorrow. It is pain and peace. It is falling down and getting up again. His message is clear: you are allowed to feel, to break, to heal, and to hope. The world may feel heavy, but there is always something good still standing. In a time when so much feels rushed, Reginald’s voice reminds us to pause. To look around. To ask ourselves what is still good. Often the most basic truth is the one we need most: even in pain, something inside you still works. Something is still holding on, and that is enough to begin again.
-Gage Saul
If We Avoid the Hard Stuff, Then We Can’t Grow
I didn’t know who Reginald Hubbard was the first time I heard his name, but before I went to DC, I was able to learn more about him. He is a teacher, activist, and a stroke survivor. I found this combination of life experiences interesting, but I still wasn’t completely invested yet. This was further reinforced by the fact that I am not the best at listening to people. I had learned this many times by listening to people who I knew, liked, respected, and who were very interesting, but when I listened to them speak, I ignored, slept through, or yawned at them. I was therefore worried about interviewing people in DC.
I felt better when I watched an interview with him, because the way he speaks is relaxing, and it also made sense to me when he spoke about things. However, I was still nervous, especially during our first interview this morning with Linda Ryden. I was nervous and distracted, and some of my questions were answered, but I didn’t have a chance to speak.
However, I had forgotten about one key thing about talking to people. Even if you know a lot about a person, if you have never met them before, they can present themselves differently than what you were expecting. When we finally got to talk to Reggie, I was very interested. He wasn’t particularly animated, but I was interested in what he was speaking about. He spoke in a way that made me feel that he was personally talking to me. When I got to ask my question, he responded in a way that made me feel validated and interested, and I got to learn more about him. He also told me something that will stick with me for the rest of my DC experience. I want to use the DC trip as time to grow as a person and to reflect on how I can improve myself and make me a better person. I needed motivation though, and Reginald gave me motivation with this quotation: “If we avoid the hard stuff, then we can’t grow. We will never improve as humans.”
This morning we had the honor of speaking with Linda Ryden, director of the Peace of Mind program and curriculum, which teaches mindfulness and conflict resolution to elementary schoolers and educators in DC. This was the interview I’d been most looking forward to because I found other interview clips of Linda’s online to be extremely interesting and relevant to my life. The interview completely met and surpassed my expectations in so many ways. Not only did she offer many new perspectives that I hadn’t encountered in her online interviews, but she led us in two different mindfulness practices and offered us advice and hope about our futures. Her deputy director Ashely also joined us for the interview, and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing a second, equally fascinating perspective on all of the questions we had for Linda.
One of the first main points that we received from both Ashley and Linda is that they are seeing a rise in the expectation for perfection in young people. Linda commented on how much schools have changed and shared that when she was in school she never once had the idea that she needed to be perfect—it just never occurred to her. She spoke a lot about how it is counterproductive for schools to be so much more focused on academic success than social-emotional learning. It’s more important to become a good human being than to have perfect grades.
I had asked our interviewees how they think we can create a space for people to feel safe because right now our world feels divided and unaccepting of imperfections and mistakes. The main insight I received from their answer was that there is no getting it wrong, and you can’t be afraid to make mistakes because everybody does, and nobody has it all figured out. They explained that we are so hard on others because we are hard on ourselves, and we can’t forgive others if we can’t forgive ourselves. So the first step to create an accepting culture is accepting ourselves. Linda and Ashley also emphasized the power of kindness: “The more you are kind to yourself, the more good you can do in the world.” I love this response because I’m very hard on myself and often feel that I don’t have time to take care of myself. Really, though, you’ll make a bigger difference if you take care of yourself too.
My main takeaways from the interview were the sheer power of love and compassion and the importance of treating both yourself and others with grace and letting go of expectations for perfection, but there is so much more I learned from these two amazing leaders that I will take with me.
-Rosemary Konviser
People Really Can “Come Back”
This morning we interviewed Linda Ryden and an unexpected guest, her deputy director of Peace of Mind, Ashley Brown. The interview was extremely interesting. I really loved their thoughts on mindfulness and their answers to the questions we asked. When I heard that Ashley was coming to the interview, I assumed that she would mostly sit quietly with Linda, but she gave insightful answers to our questions, and she was really interesting. When asked about perfectionism, Ashley recommended that we “slow down,” because “it’s not that serious.” I really liked what she said because I often put myself down for not being perfect, and it affects how I think about myself. I want to keep in mind what Ashely said and really slow down to recognize that nobody is perfect, but you can still be a good person.
I also really liked what they said about people who do horrible crimes, that although we think they are bad people, we often don’t think about what led to them doing these crimes: “You can come back from something by being offered love.” People really can “come back” by being loved. This is a new concept for many people, but it can definitely make someone feel really good. I can apply it to my life and give people love no matter who they are, since I have no idea what they have been through. Near the end of the interview, Ashley made a similar point: “Love for me is not something you have to do to be treated a certain way.” I find this thought amazing, as it opens a door for me to apply to my life so that I and other people around me can feel loved the way that people should feel loved.
-Mateo Borrego
You Need to Experience Mindfulness to Teach Mindfulness
This morning we interviewed Linda Ryden and Ashley Brown, the director and deputy director of. Peace of Mind, which teaches students mindfulness in school.
Going into this interview, I knew I was going to enjoy it, as we had researched their work, and Shannon and Chelsea had talked about how sweet of a person Linda is. One idea from the interview that resonated with me is the idea that “You have time.” Growing up in our culture, I am constantly hearing that I need to use my high school years to “get everything together,” apply to colleges, and hopefully get accepted. I felt reassured when Linda and Ashley said that there is more to your life than school and how you do in school. In fact, they said that it is more important that you become a good human being. It’s important that you have love for others and yourself in your heart. Ashley also said, “Slow down; it’s not that serious,” which made me feel better about the speed at which I am taking things in school. It’s important to slow down and really take everything in.
We discussed how to teach mindfulness to kids, but we also delved into the topic of how to work on mindfulness with adults. One thing that Linda said that struck me as insightful is that “You need to experience mindfulness to teach mindfulness.” I think this is brilliant because I think that teaching mindfulness is much easier and more effective for teachers if they understand what their students are experiencing and learning.
Linda and Ashley are both super sweet and kind, and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about mindfulness from them. In a short amount of time, I learned a lot of valuable lessons that I am excited to put to good use.
-Cora Kayne
Just Like Me
Linda’s answer to one of the first questions we asked was, “the kinder you are to yourself, the more good you can do.” I chuckled quietly to myself when she said this because this is an answer to a question I intended to ask later: “Personally, I find it much easier to be kind to others than to myself. I struggle to give myself the same grace and time to make mistakes. What advice do you have for those of us who find it difficult to manage feelings of guilt or not being” “perfect”—especially when we know that some things are simply out of our control.”
Throughout the rest of the interview, both Linda and her deputy director, Ashley Brown, kept coming back to the idea of self-love, self-compassion and personal practice as necessary to be the kind of person you want to be. By the time we got to my question, its importance had been well-established, so asking my question and admitting how difficult it is for me to practice self-compassion, made me feel all the more vulnerable. It’s a personal issue, and given the context of the interview, admitting this vulnerability out loud became quite emotional for me. I felt exposed and nervous—my legs were shaking a bit—but Linda responded beautifully and asked if we would like to take part in a “Just Like Me” meditation that she learned from Ruth B. King. I encourage everyone to look into this practice.
The idea is to think of someone you might not know well and repeat in your head some just like me statements: “This person wants to be happy, just like me. This person makes mistakes, just like me,” etc. People got different things out of the practice, but it allowed me to find compassion for myself and my own humanness by offering compassion to someone else and their humanness. This may seem a simple idea, but at the moment it feels revolutionary. For a while I’ve struggled with guilt and achieving self-compassion, but I have been unable to work on them effectively. It seems that the solution to the struggle over self-care is … self-care. Linda gave me a starting point for moving forward by giving me a way to practice self-compassion that feels both doable and comfortable. It’s a small practice that I think has the potential to create big changes in my life, and I will forever be grateful for Linda and Ashley for giving me this starting point.
-Lucy Yen
Our Grades Do Not Make Us Who We Are
Today was our first interview of the week, with Director Linda and Deputy Director Ashley of Peace of Mind. Although it’s our first interview, I think it might turn out to be my favorite, besides our interview with Ray Saurez tomorrow.
I really “vibed” with them because of their presence in the interview. I have a very personal connection to some of the ideas that they discussed, as I struggle with ADHD in the classroom, and I often put a lot of pressure on myself as a result.
When they were asked the question, “What do you think is the most important lesson children should learn at a young age, both academically and personally?” I was surprised that they downplayed the importance of academics. I assumed that they would say something about developing strategies for staying on top of your work, but instead they said that it is more important to learn kindness towards ourselves when it comes to education and to understand that our grades do not make us who we are. Their answers forced me to face the fact that I often think that my worth as a person depends on my grades. What I love most about this interview is that they described mindfulness skills and practices to help us remain focused on what is important.
Although I have been nervous about these interviews, both Linda and Ashley gave positive and hopeful responses that make me very excited for the coming interviews. I hope all our interviews are just as interactive and fun!
In a time of division, the Government in Action program provides our students the opportunity to actively listen with open minds and hearts. It is our belief that we can positively impact the world by engaging in conversations of meaning, being curious, and being open to learning from people with different perspectives and lived experiences.
Thanks to an introduction through MMS alum, Grace Timan, who is currently studying journalism at UCLA, we were able to interview former New York Times journalist and current UCLA professor of journalism, John M Broder. On April 8, we interviewed him via Zoom as part of our trip preparation. He offered valuable insights and advice on how to approach our interviews in D.C.
Here are some student reflections on the interview and upcoming learning journey.
This might seem obvious, but my biggest takeaway from the interview was how much I can learn from the people we are interviewing. John Broder had a much more comprehensive and insightful view of what’s currently happening in Washington, D.C. than I do. I was especially struck by how when someone is especially knowledgeable about a topic, they can apply logic and critical thinking to how they understand and react to government actions. I hope to gain enough knowledge from this trip to feel more confident in how I discuss and understand politics during these particularly unusual and unstable times. It feels like the atmosphere in D.C. is different from home—almost as if change is in the air and can literally be felt. It seems like everyone is in Washington, D.C. for a purpose. I hope to experience that same sense of purpose while there.
-Lucy Yen
While preparing for this trip, my main goal has been trying to open myself up to other people’s ideas and opinions. Through my preparation, I have gained an understanding of how much has to be done to bring change in a country as large as the United States. The interview with John Broder gave me a better understanding of the different roles in government and how important they can be even if they are not the ones that are directly in power. Another thing I learned from the John Broder interview is how people like him are much more human than you think. When we started the interview, I was a little nervous and was thinking about how he might be different from other people I have talked to. However, he was just an individual who wanted to speak with us and teach us about the world. I have also found out that people who we see as important, and who are in positions of power, aren’t that different from the average person. If you take the time to research and speak with people, you will find that there are many people doing a lot of good in this country.
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