Workshops: What is belonging?

As a Community Facilitator and passionate workshop leader, I’ve presented at various conferences on poetry and the lived experiences of students at predominantly white institutions (PWIs). These workshops have taught me the profound power of storytelling—not just as a means of self-expression, but as a tool for empathy, connection, and healing. This past year, I had the privilege of presenting at the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE) Conference, returning to the Asian American Footsteps Conference (AAFC), and facilitating a session for the faculty at my own school.

AAFC Conference 2024

AISNE Conference 2025

Workshops mean a lot to me. In these spaces, I’ve grown tremendously—through listening, sharing, and connecting with people from all walks of life. Whether with students, faculty, or even grandparents living with Alzheimer’s, we’ve leaned into discomfort, embraced vulnerability, and learned alongside one another. These moments have been invaluable, reminding me of the transformative power of storytelling and inspiring me to continue creating workshops centered around the issues I care most deeply about.