Real Student Stories
Post-dinner surveys revealed powerful insights from students.
Student Feedback and Comments
Many students reported making new friends or strengthening existing relationships, with comments like, “I did a lot of networking,” and “The older people are my friends now.”
Special thanks to Melva Sine and the Utah Restaurant Association for their instrumental role in program development, and to Highland High School for hosting our pilot event.
Understanding Discrimination
Students learned that discrimination often stems from fear and isolation, emphasizing the importance of listening to others’ stories and challenging preconceptions. Comments included: “Everyone’s experiences are different,” and “Discrimination can be overcome by taking a moment to understand.”
- Learning every one’s story is important and it is always important to ourselves
- I learned that our school is very inclusive and non-bigoted
- I learned about the different resources at the school board
- People often don’t feel comfortable being first person to talk so sometimes I have to do it
- That it is driven by fear
- The history and just how far we have come
- The first step to bridging together is by placing the first brick
- That it’s important to look beyond differences
- Everyone experiences it in more regard
- I learned that discrimination comes because we isolate ourselves because we think we are different
- I learned, honestly, discrimination goes on everywhere and we all go through it
- To put previous judgments aside
- I don’t really remember
- I learned that discrimination can be overcome by taking a moment to understand
- I learned that discrimination is something that’s not necessary
- I learned more about the people I see in the halls every day I learned how to improve
- Disagree with ideas not people just respect people and golden rule. We all want the same thing
- We’re all different but that’s what makes us unique
- Not much just that people struggle with building bridges
Personal Responsibility
Students expressed a commitment to not being bystanders, speaking up against bigotry, and fostering inclusivity. One student noted, “I have the responsibility to not only challenge it when I see it, but take steps to stop it in the future.”
- Not being a bystander
- Always stay open to everyone’s opinion & cultures
- Standing up for people keeping people from acting against others just for what they look like and for who they are
- I’ve been hurt and offended by bigotry, so I don’t want others to
- I believe it is the duty of every person to treat one another with respect and part of that is making sure they are respected
- Speak up
- I am a member of multiple discriminated groups. Solidarity is key
- To always make a difference
- Putting myself out there
- Tell them
- I have the responsibility to not only challenge it when I see it, but take steps to stop It in the future
- I feel I should speak out that things like racist jokes are hurtful
- I feel like as a human and someone who understands a lot of struggles that I should listen and stand up for people going through things
- To find a common ground with those I meet
- Just stand up for what’s right
- I like to distract, and check on those who may be hurt
- I personally am responsible for my own decisions and gifts I can bring to my community
- Don’t let anger blind or cause you to say/do thing. Have a clear mind
- Be that voice Be able to use my voice in times when this happens.
- To stop, diffuse it.
Creating Inclusive Environments
Suggestions included more cultural education, supporting diverse clubs, and creating spaces for group conversations. Students emphasized kindness and outreach, with one stating, “Talk to new people every day.”
- For people to be more open
- Just continuing being kind and try to branch out further away than my current friends
- Be kind, accepting and welcoming
- Educate myself more on other group’s struggles and learn my own prejudice
- Make sure people feel comfortable about talking to me about issues they have
- Support our diverse clubs & communities
- Advocate for others more
- Inclusion
- Clubs
- Reach out to people who I may not have the opportunity to
- I can meet new people ask questions and Include
- Connect with new people
- By reaching out to everyone, even if they don’t want to
- I really don’t know
- Just be kind
- To shine my own light in the darkness
- Love!
- Talk to everyone be a light to everyone around me
- Talk to new people everyday