Did Unity Day Truly Bring About Unity?
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October 23, 2009 • Fallon Martin
Filed under Student Life
Unity Day was a day to bring students together from different backgrounds and cultures to show that each of us are not that different from the classmates whom we may feel are so completely different from us. Unity Day changed a lot of students’ perspectives on life. Students found out that just because they don’t look the same or hang out together, they still have the same trials and tribulations as each other. Some even found out that one may be in a worse situation than they are.
I wasn’t able to attend Unity Day, but I really wish I had been there for it. At my old school in Texas we had a day similar to Unity Day called “Student’s United.” I was able to attend and it was very up-lifting. I was able to relate to a lot of other students when I heard they had problems that were very similar to my own. The students who organized COHS’s Unity Day did a great job, and the group leaders also did a great job with getting students to open up. I was able to talk to a few students who attended to see what they thought about Unity Day. It seemed to have a positive effect on them.
How did Unity Day go?
Ahmad – It was fun and deep.
Michael – I think it went well. The students organized it well and were able to get everyone to open up.
Did you enjoy it?
Ahmad – Yeah, I would go again. Everyone should go.
Michael – I enjoyed it because it showed that everyone is not so different and we actually have a lot in common with everyone else we see around school.
Did Unity Day change your perspective in life? If it did, in what way?
Ahmad – Yes, because it opened my view on how people may look like their lives are ok, but they might actually have worse or the same problems as you.
Michael – It showed me to be more humble about my problems. I learned that many students have a more rough life than I do.
If you saw someone being bullied, what would you do?
Ahmad – I would have to step up and say something. Maybe even do something.
Michael – I would ask the bully why he is doing that and try to stop the bully.
Will you share what you learned at Unity Day with family and friends?
Ahmad – Yes, even my kids. It’s really that deep.
Michael – Yes, I will.
What will you do in the future to show that Unity Day really changed your perspective on life?
Ahmad – I will just try my best every day to remember what I learned and put it into effect on a daily basis.
Michael – I am going to be more open and friendly to everyone, even people who I do not know.
In conclusion, Unity Day has changed the perspectives of a lot of the students here at COHS. Many students became more open in their communication, and they found out that they are not the only ones with problems. Unity Day also helped students realize who they really are. It made students realize that it is not wrong to stand up for what they believe in. The students that did get to attend Unity Day are telling the other students who didn’t get to attend all about what they missed. A few teachers attended, such as our own teacher Mr. Melia, who was quoted as saying “Unity Day was a fantastic opportunity for students to realize that even though they may feel all alone in this world, there are other people out there with problems similar to theirs, and helping someone feel better can in turn make you feel better.” Unity Day was very successful, and should continue every year as a new COHS tradition, because I believe it can lead to something incredible happening in the lives of many young people.
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I can’t say that I’ve ever been to a Unity Day or anything similar besides Leadership activities, but I always wished that I had. I know that I have a good life, but it’s not without its problems, so I try not to focus on them because I know for a fact that more than enough people have more serious problems to deal with in their daily lives than I do. I remember watching a video of a Unity Day that occurred I don’t know how long ago in Health class and I nearly cried because of how touching it was. What was even more depressing is that even after watching that, I had little faith that much would be different in my school. We are still going to hang out with our groups. We are still going to stay in our comfort zones. But we won’t have the same view on life as we did before if we’re lucky enough to participate in this. I can’t say that I see a drastic change in me if ever I get to be in one of these special days, but I can stay open minded and strong enough to try.
- Rachel W.
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