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United We Stand: The Future of Poly's Global Initiatives Program

This post, while maybe not completely apparent from the title, is a reflection on Ms. Reyna Grande's presentation. Her presentation was centered around her book "The Distance Between Us". Through her willingness to share about her book she also opened up to the audience and shared her own life's story: her trials, tribulations, and successes. Her success story was incredible and inspiring I'm sure to the whole audience. However, what I found most impactful was the crowd whom she brought together and the fellowship that ensued afterward. Something Poly's GIP program has strived to do is open up its programs and reach out to the greater Pasadena community, which I believe has reached a tipping point after Ms. Grande's presentation. Her story was one that people from an array of Pasadena schools both public and private, collegiate and high school level came to hear. This I see as the most important piece of her presentation. Not what she said but what she stood for. Her presence was one that people wanted to be a part of, learn from, and relate with. Furthermore, it gave rise to opportunities for everyone to interact with one another over food following the event. While I, unfortunately, couldn't stay for the fellowship portion I have heard about the conversations that were had by my peers. It is the beginning of creating a truly diverse community, one that is empathetic, respectful, and aware of its members. I hope that this program continues on this trend and further increases its reach into the community and bringing it together.

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