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.
Poly has had the privilege of having Mr. Pond speak on its campus twice in the last four years. While I, unfortunately, was not present for the first, I was enthralled at being able to attend the most recent one. Pond is someone who can be presented as a role model for just about anything. He started off the night by sharing some details from his past and revealing many of his experiences to the audience. As someone who has survived a horrible atrocity, the fact that Pond is able and willing to share his experiences is inspiring in it of itself. He focused on his survival of the Cambodian genocide and the bullying that ensued after he arrived in America. His own experiences were a true testimony to how powerful stories are, an idea that he has been trying to teach for some time. However, what particularly struck me, was what Pond was doing in his communities. This side of him which takes what he knows and puts into action concrete solution is even more inspiring. He mentioned some work...
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