The experience was unbelievable. Honestly, have you ever expected something from an event, attended it and had it turn out to be so much more? That is how I feel about this year’s Student Congress on Racial Reconciliation Conference, and experiencing SCORR as a freshman will affect me for the rest of my life.

I had no idea what to expect, but I have never been more thrilled. Sure, you receive a schedule, but a schedule does not compare to physically being there. It was incredible. Despite the amount of work that was put in for this annual event, there was so much joy on people’s faces throughout. There was such unity between the attendees, coming from all different ethnic backgrounds.

Practical approach to diversity

Biola’s campus seemed to turn into a huge melting pot for the weekend. Not so much in the diversity of people, but the diversity within session topics. From sensational dance and singing performances, to astonishing poets, incredible speakers and remarkable drummers, SCORR made my weekend.

For once, I did not feel as if I were attending just for chapel or conference credit. I felt like I was attending to learn about myself and others. It was more than classroom learning — it was immensely practical.

Immersed in culture

On Friday, Feb. 25, I attended the opening session and learned that hula is not about the motion of your hips, but of the gracefulness of your hands. I also learned that there were two types of hula dancing: one for praise to the hula gods and one for storytelling. However, these particular hula dancers danced for the one and true living God.

I even learned how to sing in an African language. Biola alumna Linda Kazibwe taught us to say “Hakuna wakaita se Jesu,” which means “No one like Jesus.” I watched Expressions Dance Company give their all in praise dance and African dance. The speaker, Bryan Loritts, let us know that what we experienced that night was something we would experience for eternity. God created a diverse world for a reason.

Adam Edgerly, the speaker who closed the conference on Saturday, told attendees that we should bless outsiders and remember the changes we have been through. He encouraged us to stand up for one another, no matter what race.

Lessons learned about identity

In a workshop I went to that afternoon titled, “Mixed, Hapa, Other: An Exploration of Identity Development for People of Blended Heritage,” I learned five things.

First, I learned that you should know who you are right now. Second, you don’t need to know the destination. Third, it is okay to travel alone. Fourth, it does matter what others perceive you to be or expect from you. Lastly, I learned that it is an act of worship to be confident and happy with who you are. Following that, the conference was tied together at 7 p.m. with a drum fest.

I can honestly say this is the best weekend I have had at Biola. This weekend allowed me to become a much better “me.”