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Taking action to build agency and belonging among high school students in southern California who want to make an impact in their communities
RSDS '24 STUDENT TEAM
Sophia Brotman, La Jolla Country Day, 11th
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a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
Embracing new connections brings me joy, and this summit provides diverse perspectives to many individuals.
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
For three years.
c. What is your favorite part and why?
Witnessing students from various schools and diverse backgrounds engage with one another and discover shared experiences.
Sarah Lieu, Pacific Ridge, 12th
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a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I joined last year because this is the perfect opportunity to lead by example and learn. I stayed because I found a welcoming and valuable community.
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
2 years!
c. What is your favorite part and why?
All the late-night dinners we have in-person while planning the event. During the event, the workshop, “Authentic Empowerment: The Challenge of Becoming Uniquely Capable” was particularly inspiring
Michele Rosales, Francis Parker, 10th
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a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I am on the RSDS planning committee because I attended RSDS last year and had a great time. This year I want to make sure students have the opportunity to meet amazing people and have a good time.
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
This will be my first year doing RSDS.
c. What is your favorite part and why?
My favorite part is meeting new people because you can always learn something new.
Safa Al-Naser, Francis Parker, 12th
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a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I have attended RSDS each year since it started, and this year, I wanted to help plan this year’s conference because it is a great way to learn from others and contribute to a space where students can connect and share experiences with each other
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
This is my first year as a member of the RSDS planning committee!
c. What is your favorite part and why?
My favorite part about being on the planning committee is getting to work in a collaborative environment with people who share the same values and commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Abbie Qiu, Pacific Ridge, 10th
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a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I joined the RSDS planning committee because I wanted to contribute to an event that would bring a celebration of diversity to our community.
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
This is my first year attending and planning RSDS
c. What is your favorite part and why?
My favorite aspect is working with and meeting new people who want to create an impact on the world.​
Ben Vu, Pacific Ridge, 12th
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a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I joined RSDS last year because it allowed me to become a leader and to collaborate with other students who have similar interests along with mine. My brother also influenced me to do RSDS, because he was the founding group of RSDS, and I enjoyed attending RSDS as a student before joining the planning committee.
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
This is 2nd year being apart of the RSDS committee.
c. What is your favorite part and why?
My favorite part of RSDS is being able to create relationships with students who have been planning RSDS.
Raphael Delgado, Bishops, 12th
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a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I am on the RSDS planning committee because I had a great experience last year at RSDS and wanted to help organize and improve the committee this year
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
This is my first year
c. What is your favorite part and why?
My favorite part is working together with and getting to know people who share similar values and interests
Reyn Harmon, The Bishop's School, 10th
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a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I am on the RSDS planning committee because I had very memorable experiences the previous 2 years and I felt like I had a few things to offer for future conferences.
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
This is my first year on the planning committee.
c. What is your favorite part and why?
My favorite aspect is collaborating with peers, not only from my school but others as well.
Isabelle Hong, Francis Parker, 10th
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a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I went last year and I want to be part of helping the conference.
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
This year will be my first
c. What is your favorite part and why?
My favorite part is meeting new people and learning new skills while impacting the community.
Iain Halloran, La Jolla Country Day, 10th
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a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
Because I want to help the conference I attended last year
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
Only this year
c. What is your favorite part and why?
My favorite aspect is affinity groups, to have a space to talk with others about important issues
Evelyn MacGregor, Francis Parker, 12th ​
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a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I chose to be a part of the RSDS Planning Committee because I believe the conference is extremely meaningful for participants and presenters alike. Working on the committee gives me a chance to add to the further success of the conference with the help of my peers, and to ensure that RSDS is better and better every year!
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
I have been a part of the RSDS Planning Committee for two years now, and have attended RSDS for three years.
c. What is your favorite part and why?
I enjoy surrounding myself with like-minded people who care deeply about bettering our world and exploring different perspectives and identities in society.
Neelan Patel, Pacific Ridge, 12th ​
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a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I am involved in the RSDS planning committee as I hope to continue building an inclusive community and sharing my passion for social justice with peers.
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
This is my second year planning the event!
c. What is your favorite part and why?
My favorite part of RSDS is connecting with like-minded peers and learning of varied perspectives.
Shiva Kabra, Pacific Ridge, 11th​
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a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I wanted to be a part of the RSDS planning committee because I enjoy meeting new people and inspiring positive change in our community.
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
This is my first year on the planning committee
c. What is your favorite part and why?
So far, my favorite part has been collaborating with really awesome students that have so many exciting ideas to bring to the table.
Samira Seendripu, Pacific Ridge, 11th​
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a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I joined the RSDS planning committee because last year was my first year at RSDS and it was one of the best experiences I had in high school and I wanted to be a part of what goes on behind it and share my ideas.
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
I attended last year for the first time.
c. What is your favorite part and why?
My favorite part was listening to the speakers because so many of their messages and stories were relatable and made me feel inspired. I also loved the affinity spaces conversations
Wambui Kennedy, Francis Parker, 11th Grade​
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a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I am on this year’s committee because I was on the committee last year and it provided opportunities to make connections with other students and get experience as a leader!
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
This will be my third year attending RSDS, and my second year being on the planning committee.
c. What is your favorite part and why?
My favorite part of RSDS, both as a committee member and attendee, is being able to form connections with students from other schools, which is very special to this conference. As well, I love the workshops at RSDS, I feel like I always come out from them having learned something new.
Theo Cleary, The Bishop's School, 12th Grade​
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a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I’m a part of the RSDS planning committee because I’m interested in helping create a network of students interested in furthering diversity and equity locally.
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
This will be my first time at RSDS!
c. What is your favorite part and why?
My favorite part about RSDS is meeting like-minded individuals across the greater San Diego area.
Valeria Lopez, Francis Parker, 12th​
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a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I attended RSDS for the two last years and enjoyed every workshop and especially loved to community of people in the Latine affinity space.
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
This is my third year involved in RSDS.
c. What is your favorite part and why?
My favorite part of RSDS is connecting with students from surrounding schools because we share our experiences. It’s comforting to know that you can relate to unfamiliar people.
Ariadne Georgiou, The Bishop's School, 10th​
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a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I joined the RSDS planning committee to develop a valuable, inspirational, and unifying experience for local students who are aspiring activists and leaders.
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
This is my third year attending RSDS and my second year planning
c. What is your favorite part and why?
My favorite part of RSDS is the sense of camaraderie that develops as we work on the conference throughout the year.
Safina Abraham, The Bishop’s School, 11th
a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I joined RSDS because, in previous years as an attendee, I thought it was an amazing opportunity to connect with people from other schools and discuss important topics that aren’t typically covered in school.
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
I have been attending RSDS since my freshman year, but this is my first year on the planning committee.
c. What is your favorite part and why?
My favorite part of RSDS is the affinity group portion because I love bonding over shared experiences with people in my community--RSDS allows for a comfortable environment where strangers are given the opportunity to connect
Eliana Pons, La Jolla Country Day, 11th
a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I am on the RSDS planning committee because when I attended the event last year, I realized the opportunity for greater connection and education that it brings to students, and wanted to be a part of that.
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
This is my first year being a part of RSDS and not just an attendant.
c. What is your favorite part and why?
My favorite part of RSDS is the affinity groups, since they bring together people who already have so much in common to discuss their similarities and differences in a space where everyone is very understanding.
Vanessa Galindo, Francis Parker, 12th
a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I am on the planning committee because I believe this conference is a very meaningful event for many and I want to be a part of that educational experience. I have also been able to collaborate with so many people and I have gained many opportunities to help my community, so I keep coming back, especially since I get to experience being a leader.
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
This is my third year on the planning committee.
c. What is your favorite part and why?
My favorite part is being able to collaborate with many students who have the same goals and aspirations as me, like creating a positive change in the world. But also learning from various perspectives presented in the community.
Jack Wilson, Francis Parker, 11th
a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I am on the RSDS planning committee because I wanted to continue my experiences with it. I also loved being a part of the RSDS team last year, and I’m so excited to be involved again!
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
This is my second year being a part of RSDS!
c. What is your favorite part and why?
My favorite aspect of being a part of the RSDS team is seeing friendships being made by kids from all across San Diego.
Andrew Vuong, Bishop's, 9th
a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I’m part of the RSDS planning committee because I heard about it from a couple of friends and wanted to contribute and be a part of something greater than myself.
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
This is my first year attending and planning RSDS
c. What is your favorite part and why?
My favorite part of RSDS is being able to make new friends and discovering fresh ideas. Meeting people who share the same passion and getting to learn from their experiences is such a rewarding part of being in this community.
Leela Zaveri-Tabb, Bishop's, 11th
a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I am on the RSDS planning committee because I wanted to further my involvement with the intriguing and compelling conference that I attended for the first time last year
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
While I have gone to RSDS once before, I am new to the planning committee
c. What is your favorite part and why?
​My favorite part of the conference was lunchtime, because we talked about the highlights of the workshops we went to together
Lillian Franqui, Bishop's, 11th
a. Why are you on the RSDS planning committee?
I love making a difference in the community and planning this summit as it is a way for me to give back to and make an impact in the world of diversity
b. How long have you been doing RSDS?
This is my first year of RSDS
c. What is your favorite part and why?
My favorite part of RSDS is learning the interworkings of how to plan a conference and that I was able to work with many other students in the district.