Upper School Student Finds the Pollyanna Conference "Life-Changing"

Early in April, NCCS, along with other schools attended Connecticut’s Pollyanna Conference, hosted by Westover School. Pollyanna is an organization whose main focus is strengthening communities through inclusion and equity. Joined by a lovely group of teachers, parents, administrators, DEI facilitators, and more, my classmate and I spent a day on Zoom connecting with other schools to share about and improve our communities. 

 

The conference was incredible. Everyone there was willing to be a listener, activist, and most importantly, a learner. Keeping an open mind at Pollyanna was crucial. I took in so much information and advice, and I am sure that many others did too. We were all changed in the best way by the end of the event. However, going into it, I had so many questions. What can NCCS do differently? Will schools really listen to their students’ thoughts? What will connect all of the students here? To my pleasant surprise, all of my questions were answered almost immediately--this was the strongest sense of belonging I have ever felt. 

HERE are my answers to some of the questions that you may have! 

Growing up in Fairfield County and attending a private school, I haven’t exactly had first-hand exposure to major issues in the world. Hearing the kids’ stories and perspectives was truly enlightening. The most amazing part? These driven young adults were sharing their voices while sitting in a simple desk chair, wearing sweatshirts with their color-changing LED lights in the background. They were so young, so relatable, and still so impactful. Pollyanna’s participants spoke about many topics ranging from segregation to unfair trends in fashion--those and every point in between being interesting and engaging. Hearing the influential voices of these students has made a huge impact on my life, and at the end of that day I was motivated to make a difference. 

I have never been in a place where everyone was so passionate and fully present until Pollyanna. Passion and connection is key when it comes to making change. The bonds to complete strangers that I made that day were some of the strongest, and that was what made me realize that I belonged. Before Pollyanna, I had slim to no experience with DEI, and since it has entered my life, I have been inspired and determined. Over the summer, a handful of NCCS's Pollyanna participants reconnected to share ideas and progress. Once again, I found myself in that sanctuary of passionate advocates and strong leaders.