The school’s annual “We Are TP” Week took place from April 14 to 18, featuring one activity per day organized by the Associated Student Body’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officers Bellina Tricarico (10) and Amelia Mazo (10). This year the event was rebranded from Diversity Week.

In contrast to past years, which focused more specifically on spotlighting ethnic diversity, Tricarico and Mazo aimed to promote a broader message on acceptance. This year’s message emphasized awareness and understanding of all races and backgrounds, celebrating many cultures. Honoring “We Are TP” Week came in the form of five activities put in place throughout the week: a first-period Kahoot challenge on Monday, a fourth-period poster scavenger hunt on Tuesday, Student Connection time with the ASB team, district superintendent Anne Staffieri and  One San Dieguito Initiative director Anwar Shareef on Wednesday, a club fair in the quad at lunch on Thursday and a mariachi band performance during lunch and fifth period (sign-ups required) on Friday.

Before the week began, Mazo and Tricarico promoted the events to get the most participation from both students and staff. 

“[ASB] posted about it on Instagram, and then we had posters up beforehand,” Tricarico said. “And then, at the end of next week, we’ll be going on Falcon Vision to talk about it.”

Once the festivities began, classes could have signed up for the given activities during specified periods throughout the week. The club fair emerged as the most popular event, showcasing student organizations that highlighted diversity and inclusion. Some of these clubs included the Black Student Union, TP Political Union, South Asian Student Union, Peer Assistant Listeners, International Friends Club, Scientella, Best Buddies, TP Polynesian Club, TP Armenian Club, Key Club and the American Sign Language Club. 

While many students engage with the clubs on campus, it can sometimes be difficult for students to connect without a structured opportunity. This problem, according to Tricarico, is exactly what “We Are TP” Week is here to fix. 

“It’s definitely a meticulous task to make sure that literally every single identity is recognized here, but it’s so worth it in the end, just to see how everyone feels encouraged,” Tricarico said. “I think it’s so important because it makes everyone feel more welcome and have a sense of belonging at school and it’s a really beautiful thing.”

Shareef, whose primary goal is to publicize and build a foundation for the One San Dieguito Initiative, sees a reflection of his own work through the mission statement surrounding “We Are TP” Week. 

“The purpose of the One San Dieguito Initiative is to build this sense of inclusion and belonging across the district,” Shareef said. “All stakeholders, including school board members, administrators, teachers, staff, students, parents and community groups, will work cohesively and collaboratively to create a supportive and inclusive environment that enables all students to achieve their academic goals.”

Full acceptance and inclusion of each other does not happen overnight. But with a little self-awareness, vulnerability and willingness to grow together, “We Are TP” Week will continue to stand as a symbol of freedom for everyone. 

“This is who we are,” Mazo said. “We’re all from different backgrounds and we should all respect that and learn from it. This is what makes it a very inclusive and well-rounded school, for sure.”