Respect Retreat

Angela Yang, Writer

On Tuesday, October 3rd and Wednesday, October 4th, the sophomore class were given the opportunity to participate in Youth Frontier’s Respect Retreat led by Megan Solemsli-Chrysler and Tony Lehr. This event was joined by the senior Red Team members as well as a few South High staff. Together, they focused on how to respect oneself, others and to take a stand.

Representatives Megan Solemsli-Chrysler and Tony Lehr lead the participants in the Macarena dance after lunch.

The day consisted of many small group discussions, activities within the entire group and activities within small groups. The activities stimulated the brain, had participants on their feet and formed tons of laughter. The best part of the day for many participants had been small group discussions, dancing, singing, the campfire towards the end, and the screaming of a fellow classmate, Kongmeng Yang. When asked how it felt like to scream in front of others, Sophomore Kongmeng Yang stated,

“It was nerve-wracking and it was exciting at the same time.” Yang stood with his arms connected to his body and gave a scream. Many were surprised and amazed with Yang. Representative Tony Lehr was just as shocked as the crowd while he judged.

In small group discussions, students shared thoughts on several topics such as 10 disrespectful and 10 respectful things at South High that should either be stopped or continued. Many students believe the South High community should compliment others more, participate in class, listen to others and should not crowd the hallways or judge anyone based on thoughts of superiority. Groups also discussed the topic of 97 right and three wrong by giving examples such as talents or special abilities. Sophomore Camila Trimberger adds,

“I think that the 97 right and three wrong spoke to a lot of people on a personal level because it is so easy to focus on the negative. I also believe that while it isn’t bad to focus on the 3 wrong for self-improvement, we should pay attention to the 97 correct as well.” This idea of 97 right and three wrong can be described as the three percent out of the 100 percent that’s wrong leaving just 97 percent left. Many are more focused on the three percent wrong than the 97 percent correct. For example, when looking at a mirror, the reflection is often the reflection of the three wrong rather than the 97 right. Rather than focusing on the many great accomplishments or traits, one focuses on the three wrong.

Participants loosen up for what’s ahead in the day by dancing.

Participants were challenged to construct respect with only the left shoe of those in their group. One of the three groups from the first day constructed a pile of shoes with a colorful one on the top. Sophomore and representative of his group, Devin Kooistra Floyd, describes the structure in front of the group with,

Well, the “structure”, as you may call it, was simply a pile of all our left shoes that we stacked at random. At the top, a multicolored shoe rested. The figure was meant to show an idea of respect as less of a form of structure and more of [the] mixture of cultures, ideologies, opinions, backgrounds, and people. All put together in harmony to hold up a final shoe, the one that represented that mixture as one unique piece that could be appreciated by all. In essence, it was to represent respect as a simplistic ideology that has little to no limitation or structure, but still holds a powerful meaning.”

The retreat ended with a campfire session in which the participants were given time to reflect. After each individual had the time to reflect, they were then able to share their thoughts, goals, and ideas either about respecting themselves, others or taking a stand. Sophomore Isabel Gosse, mentioned,

“I picked myself because I don’t really have a lot of self-confidence. I’m usually hard on myself. I want to focus on respecting myself so I can improve my self-confidence. I show positivity towards others and I want to show positivity towards myself. I don’t want to be so hard on myself.”

Senior Jacob Bonin and Sophomores Justin Dyken, Josh Greer, Angelie Tellez, Tamara Vertin, and Jason Lee group get ready to answer questions and discuss.

Participants truly enjoyed the experience of taking another look at what respect means and how it feels by connecting with others through various activities.

“I enjoyed participating with our sophomores on Day 1 of the retreat. I thought our kids were awesome and I hope that they enjoyed the day as much as I did. I was impressed with the student participation at the end of the day where so many shared the ‘one thing’ that they were going to focus on [changes] in their lives,” Associate Principal Joshua Kestell remarks. South High staff enjoyed the day in which they participated in. Sophomores did as well.

“Honestly, I thought it was going to be a waste of time but as the day went on, it was meaningful. It hit my heart. If that day never happened, I wouldn’t be respecting myself right now,” Sophomore Angel Xiong states. Xiong’s fellow classmates agree with her statement. Many felt as though the retreat would have been unnecessary but after the event, they realized it has brought the sophomore class closer as well as the South High community. South High physical education teacher Peter Toutenhoofd adds,

“I believe it gives the entire class a common ground of respect and rapport that can positively affect school and personal lives.”

The Respect Retreat was an eye-opening experience for those who participated. This program has helped many participants with respecting oneself, others and to take a stand. The goal of this event was for students to recognize and take another glance at themselves and those around them. Dean of Students Josiah Pledl states,

“The goal is to build or continue a positive school culture. Respect is a keyword of the Redwing Way. This event has expanded [the] meaning of respect and what respect looks like.” With the help of various icebreakers and activities such as dancing, group discussions, and running across the room, participants gained the ability to learn more about one another as well as themselves.

Students and South High staff come together to sing Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.”