Spring Break Campus Bridging Initiative, Day Five

I was so anxious on Friday, scared even. The thought of presenting my ideas, of putting my perspectives out there, weighed on me. But I found warmth in the Minnesota feel. Maybe it was the way people smiled in passing, the crisp autumn air that made everything feel fresh, or just the energy in the room. Either way, I felt at home.

Breakfast started the day off slow but steady. The quiet hum of conversations over coffee, the clinking of plates, the occasional laughter breaking through it was a space to just be present. 

The afternoon was all about Public Narratives, the story of self, us, and now. This part was different. It wasn’t just about policy or organizing; it was about why we even care in the first place. We shared stories, real and raw. I could feel the weight of everyone’s experiences in the room.

The closing reception was bittersweet. Appetizers, final reflections, and exchanging contact info with people I genuinely want to stay connected with. The nerves I had this morning? Gone. Replaced by something stronger: confidence, community, purpose.

Leaving Minnesota, I know one thing for sure: my voice belongs in these spaces. And I’m just getting started.

Thank you, Alexander Shearman