Alumni Reflection: The Alumni of Color Retreat

The Alumni of Color Retreat took place prior to HMI’s 25-Year Reunion from June 8th-9th. Participants shared meals together, went on hikes, and engaged in thoughtful conversations with one another. Laila Pina (ST’19 and Gap’22 alum) shared a reflection of their experience at the retreat.

Written by Laila Pina

The Alumni of Color Retreat was a powerful and beautiful start to the HMI reunion; it reminded me how rare it is that we have the opportunity and the space to actively reflect on community experiences with those whom we have affinity with. It made me feel so hopeful and faithful in the HMI community to be able to listen, value, and validate the many different experiences and relationships that we alumni of color have with HMI. Spending time with other alumni of color and discussing our relationships with the HMI community, as well as with ourselves in the outdoors, broadened my belief in the possibility for change within the outdoor education community. Meeting alumni of color who had gone to HMI in more recent semesters made me feel especially hopeful as well, and so glad that the community of color I do have is forever growing within HMI. During the reunion we spent time holding space for each person’s unique experiences at HMI. Lupe Bobadilla (HMI’s former Director of DE&I) and our guest speaker, Carmela Montenegro, both actively supported us in this approach, encouraging us to be honest and share as we pleased, but reminded us that there is space for many forms of participation and reflection.

 

Left Photo: Laila and Lupe Bobadilla.                                                        Right Photo: Laila and Lia Kelly (Semester 40 Alum and Alumni Council Member)

While we spent a lot of our time discussing different experiences we had at HMI, the time that we had to just be together was so important to my experience. The people I had the opportunity to connect with are truly amazing. First and foremost, I have more gratitude than I can express for Lupe. Not only did he plan and organize the entire retreat, but he was present and active throughout the time that we all spent together. Sharing his own experiences and encouraging us to share ours, he reminded us of all of the ways in which we can find belonging in outdoor education. One way that I found belonging was by reminding myself of the joy that I can feel simply being with others outdoors. When we went to Turquoise Lake, I found myself comforted just by the fact that we, coming from different walks of life and different semesters, had our own community and affinity space. While we sat by the lake, we spent time laughing and appreciating the beautiful weather, doing art and taking photos. We also took the time to do the No Doze leadership exercise. I did this many times at HMI, but it felt really meaningful to do this exercise in a retrospective manner and to think about the ways I show up for leadership in white spaces versus in POC spaces and how my other identities influence this. I felt like in this way, I was able to be more present with myself and others in reflecting back on my time at HMI, and for that I am so grateful. 

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