Ursuline Hosts "Melting Pot Panel"

"Behind a person with an accent, there is always a wonderful story," says Spanish teacher Patricia Sivan, who recently worked with Ursuline's student-driven Diversity Club to organize a discussion featuring speakers willing to talk about their experience living in the United States as an immigrant.The eight person panel featured parents and relatives alike, each with a unique journey.

Paul Lugten, father of Emma (Gr. 11) and Julia (Gr. 9), grew up in Great Britain and shared his surprise at the commercialism in the U.S. He commented that plethuras of options make even the simplist of things, like ordering a sandwich, complicated.

Art teacher Elena Balmaseda-Scherer spoke of the language barrier she encountered after moving to the states from Cuba as a child, and how she learned to express herself through art.

Regina Muyuela, mother of Demi (Gr. 11) moved to the U.S. from the Phillipines, and shared a story about a time she was questioned by the police simply because she tried to pay for home decor with cash, just two days after arriving in the country.

Jyothi Malempati, mother of Sravya (Gr. 11) shared a hearfelt story about being apart from her family in India, for two years.

Montserrat Vera-Llonch, mother of Agata Atayde (Gr. 9), came from Spain and was surprised at the mixed messages sent to women about where they stand in society.

Elizabeth Conpagnone, aunt of Francesca (Gr. 12) and Elizabeth (Gr. 7) moved from Italy as a child and taught herself English. She encouraged the students to be patient with people who have an accent.

Mrs. Pauline Clarke, mother of Naedia (Gr. 9) and Nikkia (Gr.7) came from Jamaica, and shared a story about how her graduate school put her in incorrect classes because they did not understand that English was her first language. She also talked about her lack of preparation for a cold first winter in Boston!

Senora Sivan says that the event was "inspired by celebrating differences," which is the main goal of the newly-founded Diversity Club. The group meets weekly to discuss race, nationality, immigration and even women in the work place. Though the first participants were members of minority groups, the club has expanded to include students of all backgrounds.

"Race was extremely interesting to discuss," said Sivan, who showed the students a film about the Black Doll vs. White Doll Experiment. Many students were outraged at the result: that a black child chose the white doll as superior. She says that projects like this spark important conversation among young people, which helps them to learn as they grow.

The Diversity Panel will likely host a similiar panel next year, and would encourage any person, with or without an accent, to share their story.