Challenge Day

     My thoughts, on the episode we watched in class, varied. I felt connected to their stories and felt a part of their journey throughout Challenge Day. I accepted and felt confident regarding the chosen students. I felt that the people running the show would put their best effort forward to make everyone feel welcome and turn any uncomfortable situations into moments of understanding. I knew a variety of students from different "clicks" would be put together to share what was not "obvious" about their everyday life.
     Further on into the show, it hit me that the students who were focused on had devastating stories. I felt, from that point, pushed away. Although I would like to be apart of Challenge Day, I feel my story would not meet the "standards" of others. I feel students, that shared deep and thoughtful information about themselves, had more to share and experience. I would still like the opportunity to listen to how students are impacted and become more aware of their needs. I want people to feel they can trust me. I would look forward to helping others find their way back onto their feet.
     IDCI and River Valley are connected on some levels. We are separated into specific groups/clicks and tend to push others away that don't meet our expectations. Most students are not friendly to people that don't seem "normal" or are labelled as "weird". We are strictly associated with the people that share the same interests and maybe values. We are not like River Valley because we don't seem to spread constant rumours about other groups within the school. I feel, although we are separated into groups, we keep to ourselves. I am aware that bullying occurs throughout our school and is impossible to eliminate, however, it is the silent type of bullying that is most difficult to stop. I think Challenge Day will reveal many hidden conflicts and stories no one was aware of.
     I am glad IDCI is investing their money into Challenge Day because I want everyone to feel safe and welcome when they come to school. I think this will be a huge opportunity for leadership students to become role models and push people out of their comfort zones and become more understanding and accepting. When someone has trust for someone else, it creates a strong support system. Many of us are unaware that other people face the same conflicts as we do. We all have worries and insecurities....no matter what kind of life we lead. I hope Challenge Day will be successful and an extraordinary experience.