The conference first started with icebreakers and then offered small breakout time for affinity groups. For my affinity, I attended the Mix It Up group, which allowed for the attendees to mix with people from all backgrounds. There we discussed how we identify ourselves in terms of life events, the places we live, the people we surround ourselves with, and more. It was very eye-opening hearing others' responses and realizing how everyone is made of different moments that cause us to think, react, and process differently.

The afternoon was made up of two workshops. Participants could choose from the following: Ally as a Verb, Black Lives Matter, Charlottesville Aftermath, Democrats, Republicans, and Political Ideology, Empathy and Privilege, LGBTQ+ Rights, Muslims and Middles Easterners in the Media, Undocumented in America, and Women's Rights. My first workshop was Undocumented in America which offered statistical data about undocumented immigrants as well as perspectives on the experience of crossing the border from a Dreamer and a relayed story from a daughter of an undocumented immigrant. For my second workshop, I attended Democrats, Republicans, and Political Ideology where people expressed what they thought when they heard the words Democrat and Republican, what they feel makes a Democrat and Republican, and how they view Democrats and Republicans. Although hesitant at first to go to this workshop, I gained insight into what others believe each political party stands for as well as what they believe each side could improve. Not really knowing how I identify politically, I felt as though I would not have been able to contribute to the conversation and inherently make it awkward for everyone in attendance. However, my uncertainty quickly subsided with the civility and maturity of the conversation which was inspiring as it reaffirmed that there are people who are ready to act for a better future.

We closed the conference with a Friends Meeting which is true to the identity of the Carolina Friends School. A Quaker tradition, a Friends Meeting allows you to sit in silence until someone feels called to speak into the silence and talk about what they learned and how they will take this information and apply it to their future. It was a time to reflect on the experience we had that day and realize how we could use this knowledge to make a difference in the world.

About the Triangle Diversity Alliance
The Triangle Diversity Alliance (TDA) is an inspirational alliance of students, faculty, and staff who represent diversity in local independent schools including Carolina Friends School, Cary Academy, Durham Academy, Ravenscroft School, and Saint Mary's School.

The alliance works to provide an environment of support where students can share their experiences in their respective schools, formulate resolutions, affirm their identity, cultivate leadership skills, make new friends, and become active agents for change in their schools and in the world.