Learning Across Communities: My Experience at the Hillel International and National Black Empowerment Council Convening – Maya Kamen ’28
One meaningful experience for me this summer was being selected as one of 32 students from across the country to represent Hillel International, a convening in Washington, D.C., in collaboration with the National Black Empowerment Council. I entered the experience excited to meet new people and learn from different perspectives, but I left with something much more valuable: a deeper understanding of what it means to build relationships across communities and develop the confidence to have difficult conversations with curiosity, empathy and an open mind.
The purpose of the convening was to bring Black and Jewish students together to learn from one another, share our experiences and challenges and build a stronger sense of community. Throughout the experience, we were encouraged to listen, not simply to respond, but to genuinely understand the experiences of people whose backgrounds and perspectives may differ from our own.
One of the most impactful parts of the experience was meeting my peers from across the country. Although we came from different universities, communities and backgrounds, we quickly found common ground. Our conversations ranged from personal experiences to larger conversations about identity, community, leadership and the challenges students face on their campuses. Some conversations were easy, while others pushed me outside of my comfort zone. Those moments were some of the most valuable because they reminded me that meaningful dialogue does not always have to be comfortable to be productive.
I came away from the convening feeling more confident in my ability to ask difficult questions. I learned that having meaningful conversations is not about having all the answers. Instead, it is about being willing to listen, acknowledge what you do not know, and create space for others to share their experiences. That is a lesson I know I will carry with me far beyond this summer.
The experience also gave me opportunities to learn outside of the convening itself. We visited the Haitian Embassy, where we had the opportunity to meet the Haitian Ambassador, learn about the country’s history and its significance as the first nation to abolish slavery and explore the history of the embassy and the artifacts inside. We also visited the Israeli Embassy, where we met with members of the staff and were given the opportunity to ask questions ranging from basic questions to some of the more difficult and challenging topics. Being able to hear directly from individuals representing different communities and perspectives gave me a greater appreciation for the importance of relationships and open dialogue. Each experience challenged me to think beyond my own perspective and consider how history, culture and personal experiences shape the way people see and understand the world.
As a student leader, one of my biggest takeaways was the responsibility we have to bring what we learn back to our own communities. I do not want this experience to end with me returning to Charlotte and simply reflecting on what happened in Washington, D.C. I want to use what I learned to help create more opportunities for students at UNC Charlotte and throughout the Charlotte community to connect with people from different backgrounds, ask questions, listen to one another and learn together.
Being part of this convening reminded me that community is built through relationships. It requires people to be willing to show up, listen, learn and sometimes have the conversations that feel the hardest. I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to be part of a group that encouraged me to do exactly that.
I know I will continue to look back on this experience throughout my college career and beyond. It challenged me, taught me and gave me a stronger sense of how I want to lead. Most importantly, it reminded me that positive change often begins with something as simple and as difficult as being willing to sit down with someone, listen to their story and make an effort to understand.
