The workshop that stood out to me the most was the one we had the week after the inauguration. It stuck with me because it gave me a space where I could just reflect and feel safe. I remember feeling so many emotions—pain, anger, confusion—but that day helped me realize I wasn’t alone. Other people felt the same way, and that was comforting.
What really stood out to me was when new people from Duke showed up. They didn’t have to really immerse themselves, but they did anyway, and that meant a lot. It reminded me that even in tough times, there are people who care and show up when it matters. That simple act of presence was a moment of grace for me.
The Inside Out emotion dice was such a cool activity. Every roll made us talk about different feelings—joy, sadness, anger, fear, disgust—and connect them to current events. But it also got real when people opened up about the heaviness they were feeling. I realized I’d been pushing some of my emotions aside, and the dice made me face them.
There was so much courage in that room. People were honest, even when it was hard. I remember feeling proud of everyone who shared their stories, whether they were angry or scared. We were all just trying to make sense of everything going on in the world, and it helped to do it together.
That day left a mark on me. It showed me how powerful it is to have a community and a safe place to just be real. Grace was in the way we showed up for each other. Courage was in every story we shared. The workshop wasn’t just another event—it was proof that when we come together, we can find strength even in uncertain times.