Our Roots, Our Stories: High Schoolers Share Cultural Experiences

May 03 2023 3 mins

Our Roots, Our Stories: High Schoolers Share Cultural Experiences Podcast artwork

At Western Reserve Academy (WRA), students possess a multitude of diverse cultural experiences from across the country and even the world. Senior Elba Heddesheimer created the Our Roots, Our Stories podcast to share these stories with her school community. We hope to provide students with the platform to voice their unique cultural perspectives and experiences.Each episode features a 3-5 minute story from one of our students that was shared at a February storytelling night in the Green Key. These heartwarming stories touch on their hometowns, their experiences at WRA, and the realizations they’ve made through self-reflection. The first few episodes relate to the theme, 'Places We Call Home,' but we're excited to explore other themes in the future.Storytelling is a powerful tool for fostering cross-cultural competency and understanding. We encourage all WRA students to attend the next storytelling night on April 7 from 6:30-7:30 in the Green Key. Students will reflect on the theme “Transitions,” discussing the changes and challenges they have faced while navigating life.So if you're a student at WRA, I invite you to join us in celebrating our diverse community and the incredible stories that come with it.Contact the [email protected]

Subscribe on Podcast Addict

Episode 11: Sheilla's Story

May 03 2023 3 mins

In this episode, senior Sheilla Muligande reflects upon her experience moving from Rwanda to the Ivory Coast. In Rwanda, she grew up living in a close-knit neighborhood where people acted similarly. Once she moved to the Ivory Coast, she noticed how her peers felt more relaxed and didn’t feel the same pressure to conform as she did. As she grew older, she began to mature and dist

Episode 10: Francis' Story

May 03 2023 2 mins

In this episode, senior Zichen (Francis) Wang shares his experience growing up in a “typical Chinese family.” He feels that the environment in the US is better suited for him as a place to explore his academic interests. Unfortunately, transitioning to life in the US was not a choice he could make himself due to Covid. Although living in the US has been difficult, he has made s

Episode 9: Carter's Story

May 03 2023 2 mins

In this episode, junior Carter Fleming shares how he struggled to transition from living at home to attending a boarding school (WRA). While living independently, he has learned to manage his free time and possess more agency in his own life. By finding his friends and relying on the support WRA’s community provides, he has completed this transition smoothly.

Episode 8: Tanvi's Story

May 03 2023 2 mins

In this episode, senior Tanvi Shah shares her experience returning to Mumbai, India, after receiving her green card 16 years later. While fulfilling a Canadian medical internship, Tanvi returned to India and saw her family and where she was born. By spending time in Mumbai, she connected with her childhood and Indian heritage, an important aspect of her identity

Episode 7: Brennan's Story

May 03 2023 2 mins

In this episode, junior Brennan Christian shares how he always looked up to his older peers at Boy Scouts and school. As he grew older, he began to step into his leadership roles by mentoring those around him. Although he initially struggled with this transition, he learned to look to himself for guidance. Even though going from a follower to a leader was difficult, he found this t

Episode 6: Tavin's Story

May 03 2023 3 mins

In this episode, sophomore Tavin Jones shares that although he currently lives in Vegas, he feels that Florida is his true home. He reflects upon childhood memories with close family members while living in Florida. While speaking about his interests, such as lacrosse, he shares how he met his lifelong friends. Tavin realizes that home is the place where you’ve developed cherishe

Episode 5: Bill's Story

Mar 12 2023 3 mins

In this episode, sophomore Bill Wu defines home as a community of people he trusts and relies on rather than a physical place. Bill shares his experience growing up in the metropolitan city of Beijing, China, and the differences he’s noticed while living in the small town of Hudson, Ohio. Although he’s faced some culture shocks as an international student, he feels at home with

Episode 4: Livia's Story

Mar 12 2023 4 mins

In this episode, sophomore Livia Taibon shares her experience of leaving her hometown of Vienna, Austria, and studying abroad for a year at Western Reserve Academy. Livia recounts feeling homesickness and culture shock while adapting to life in the United States.

Episode 3: Andrew's Story

Mar 12 2023 4 mins

In this episode, sophomore Andrew Schneider shares his experience coming to terms with his own queer identity while living in a heteronormative world. Through making friends and trying new sports like diving, Andrew has built a support system of people that understand him and his identity as a young queer person. He encourages listeners to find friends that feel like home.

Episode 2: Jarissa's Story

Mar 12 2023 3 mins

In this episode, senior Jarissa Molina reflects upon her experience growing up in a lower-income community of color while attending a wealthier, predominately white school. Jarissa discusses the impact of housing discrimination, leaving her and many others with limited access to greater opportunities. As an aspiring architect, she aims to address these systemic injustices by using