“When this work comes directly from the boys, it’s more powerful and
effective. Our hope and goal is that the boys be the messengers.”
Another opportunity is having students lead the charge
along with faculty and staff. One boy who was very
interested in this work took it upon himself to draft a
comprehensive proposal, which he presented with different
ideas he had for student-led initiatives, two of which we will
be implementing this year. One is to include during Advisory
Group meetings something as simple as a discussion around
the sentence, “I am this, but not that,” in order to debunk
stereotypes. When this work comes directly from the boys,
it’s more powerful and effective. Our hope and goal is that
the boys be the messengers.
SDM: What are the challenges?
Pedro and Jessica: We are ensuring that we always stay
true to what Saint David’s is, to our mission throughout this
initiative. We keep the traditional classical balance, while
encouraging the boys to see that the world is different and to
make them better global citizens. Change can be a challenge
in itself. Having discussions about differences can also be
awkward. It’s important to realize that this is an ongoing and
continuous process; it’s not about attending one conference
or having just one conversation, or celebrating a culture for
a day or month. Rather, difference becomes embraced on a
continuing basis.
SDM: Where has there been the greatest growth thus
far in this area?
Pedro and Jessica: Our collaboration with Dr. Gay,
now in its fourth year, and our work in Sophrosyne.
We’ve also expanded our student and parent body both
socioeconomically and racially, with 30 percent of our
families self-identifying as non-white. Our faculty and staff
have diversified in significant ways. We have a female head
coach and, while one might not normally think about gender
when it comes to diversity, this is great for the boys to see.
When we speak about diversity, we aren’t referencing just
one or two races, but rather the whole spectrum, beyond
race to include all types of difference.
SDM: What tips can our community members bear in
mind to be more inclusive?
Pedro and Jessica: Make it a day-to-day process that
is constantly reinforced—to recognize how vital it is to
respect difference. Also, don’t be afraid to address a difficult
situation when encountered. From the school’s end we want
to ensure we are providing the direction, instruction, and
skillset to handle what can be difficult conversations. From
our perspective, the tips are to keep your eyes and ears open,
and to always address a situation. We are also always available
if community members have questions or are uncertain.
SDM: What led you to this work?
Pedro: Both of my girls, who attended prep school, went
to the People of Color Conference while in high school, and
I remember my older daughter coming back saying, “Now
I know that there are people who look just like me.” That
was extremely powerful, and I think what got me interested
in this work: there is a lot that people go through that isn’t
always realized.
Jessica: I attended a People of Color Conference and was
in a group with high school Latinas, and it was interesting
to hear them say how important it was to see people like us
working in the schools. I learned how important it is for
them to have a safe space, a person or location; somewhere
they can feel comfortable having a difficult conversation or
question addressed.
Pedro: It’s also not just boys of color. Our definition of
difference is broad and inclusive. There’s always something
we can do to help a boy when he’s having a difficult time.
Because I am involved in sports, I get to talk to the boys a lot.
If I can use that avenue to get out bigger messages that have
nothing to do with sports, but more with life, I think that’s
important. All of this has always been percolating within
me, and I also feel like at this point in my life, I’m ready to
do more for the school.
SDM: Anything you’d like to add?
Pedro and Jessica: We’re just really excited to be doing
this work in this important area at a great school like
Saint David’s. M
Alumnus Timothy Hyun ’19 (right) with current student
Timmy D. ’20 at the Conference.
Winter 2020 • 9