Shows
Our Roots, Our Stories: High Schoolers Share Cultural ExperiencesEpisode 11: Sheilla's StoryIn 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 distance herself from being a perfectionist. Exposure to Ivorian culture helped prepare Sheilla for future transitions, such as attending a boarding school (WRA).
2023-05-0303 minOur Roots, Our Stories: High Schoolers Share Cultural ExperiencesEpisode 10: Francis' StoryIn 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 some of his closest friends here at WRA.
2023-05-0302 minOur Roots, Our Stories: High Schoolers Share Cultural ExperiencesEpisode 9: Carter's StoryIn 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.
2023-05-0302 minOur Roots, Our Stories: High Schoolers Share Cultural ExperiencesEpisode 8: Tanvi's StoryIn 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
2023-05-0302 minOur Roots, Our Stories: High Schoolers Share Cultural ExperiencesEpisode 7: Brennan's StoryIn 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 transition rewarding.
2023-05-0302 minOur Roots, Our Stories: High Schoolers Share Cultural ExperiencesEpisode 6: Tavin's StoryIn 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 cherished memories, not just the state where you currently live.
2023-05-0303 minOur Roots, Our Stories: High Schoolers Share Cultural ExperiencesEpisode 5: Bill's StoryIn 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 the people he loves in this school community.
2023-03-1303 minOur Roots, Our Stories: High Schoolers Share Cultural ExperiencesEpisode 4: Livia's StoryIn 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.
2023-03-1304 minOur Roots, Our Stories: High Schoolers Share Cultural ExperiencesEpisode 3: Andrew's StoryIn 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.
2023-03-1304 minOur Roots, Our Stories: High Schoolers Share Cultural ExperiencesEpisode 2: Jarissa's StoryIn 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 design to create more equitable homes and communities.
2023-03-1303 minOur Roots, Our Stories: High Schoolers Share Cultural ExperiencesEpisode 1: Aparajita's StoryIn this episode, sophomore Aparajita Shimpi shares her experience growing up as an American Born Confused Desi (ABCD), trying to balance her Indian heritage and American culture. Often, she felt alienated from both identities but later found herself at home at Western Reserve Academy. Aparajita realizes that home is not just a physical place but rather the feeling of allowing herself to define her own experiences and identity.
2023-03-1302 min