Event Diaries: The Art of Being and Belonging
SESSION 1: What draws you into your favorite story?
Is it the rhythm of the words, the imagery that lingers, or the way a story makes you feel just a little more seen? Stories—whether imagined or lived—have a way of pulling us in, offering a place to adventure and belong, even if just for a moment. They help us remember who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we might be going.
At the heart of The Art of Being and Belonging, a recent two-part workshop for our students led by Filipina-Taiwanese poet, storyteller, and creative guide, Katerina Jeng, we explored what makes a story powerful—what makes it stick, and why it resonates so deeply.
Students began by decorating tote bags and journals—a space for stories waiting to be written, and books waiting to be carried.
They started to reflect on stories that have stayed with them—the ones that made them feel something real. Imagine the world of Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, or The Lord of the Rings—just a few of the powerful examples our students brought up. These fantastical worlds may be far from our everyday lives, but they have a way of reflecting truths we carry within us. Sometimes, the most intriguing stories are the ones that let us step into places we’ve never known, yet somehow feel deeply familiar. They spark something in us—a sense of wonder, representation, and the freedom to imagine what could be.
writing a biography: Identity wheel exercise
From there, students started the beautiful and brave task of writing their own biographies—snapshots of their lived experiences, layered with memories, dreams, and identity. Using an identity wheel as a guide, they reflected on different aspects of who they are, noticing the threads that connect their lives to the stories they’re most drawn to: themes of self, friendship, family, culture, hobbies, fun facts, and personal traditions.
After mapping out these pieces, each student selected a few details they felt excited to share with others—beginning to shape a biography that reflects not just where they come from, but who they are becoming.
Writing “THE STORY OF SELF”
With their identity wheels as a foundation, students then moved into the next layer of storytelling: writing their “Story of Self.” This exercise invited them to reflect not just on who they are, but why—why certain parts of their identity matter to them, how their experiences have shaped them, and what values guide the way they move through the world. The following (optional) prompt was provided to help guide students to begin their writing:
“Can you think of a time where you faced a challenge and overcame it? Consider the question below to help guide you.”
Each story was a window into the student’s unique voice—some playful, some tender, some deeply reflective. Whether writing about family, food, identity, or moments of growth, students were encouraged to speak from the heart and center the parts of themselves they felt called to share.
SESSION TWO: REFLECTING ON “THE STORY OF US” & “THE STORY OF NOW”
Session 2 began with a powerful reflection exercise: students responded to the prompts, “People see me as…” and “What they don’t know is that I’m actually…” This invitation to peel back the layers helped students explore how they’re perceived versus how they truly see themselves. It opened the door to writing “the story of us”—where personal experiences connect with shared values and a collective sense of identity. To bring their stories full circle, students ended by crafting their “story of now”—a personal call to action rooted in the values celebrated throughout their writing. These reflections inspired not just understanding, but action—encouraging others to connect, reflect, and create change in their own communities.
Once their stories started taking shape, it was time to bring them to life—zine style. Students jumped into creating their own zines, filling the pages with drawings, color, cut-outs, and anything else that felt like them. As they designed, students also teamed up to read each other’s work, give feedback, and cheer one another on. It wasn’t just about making something pretty—it was about owning their stories, together!
Zines—short for magazines—are small, self-published booklets that have been used for decades as a way to share personal stories, art, and ideas with others. They’ve been used as tools for self-expression, activism, and connection—giving folks a way to tell their stories on their own terms. There’s no one “right” way to make a zine, which is what makes them so powerful: they’re creative, personal, and completely yours.
Closing Circle
After writing their stories, students shared that they felt:
“Happy, amazed, and grateful” to be able to tell a personal story without pressure of it being graded in hopes that it will inspire someone.
Writing became a journey through intense emotions—anger, fear, and reflection—as students relived significant moments from their lives.
The Art of Being and Belonging was more than just a space to write—it was a space to be seen, heard, and held. Through storytelling, students explored the power of their own voices and discovered that their lived experiences are not only valid, but vital. Whether through writing, sharing, or simply listening, each moment was a step toward deeper self-confidence, creative expression, and collective healing. Our hope is that every student walked away knowing that their story matters—and that storytelling can be a tool for transformation and connection.
We’re deeply grateful to Katerina Jeng for guiding our students through this journey with such care, wisdom, and heart. Their storytelling created a space where our youth felt seen, heard, and empowered to own their narratives. Thank you, Katerina, for reminding us of the power in our words—and the magic that happens when we share them in community. 💛
We’re so excited to share that the students’ zines will be showcased at Hooked on Colfax, a local coffee shop that celebrates community! This special display will give our students the chance to share their stories with a wider audience—and for others to witness the heart, honesty, and imagination poured into each page. If you’re in the area, stop by, grab a drink, and take a peek into the powerful stories our students have so bravely and beautifully told.
Katerina Jeng
Katerina Jeng (they/she) is a neurodivergent queer Filipina-Taiwanese-American. Born in the bustling city of New York, New York, they grew up soaking in the suburban vibes of Long Island. Navigating their AAPI identity in an area with few others like them was a journey. Katerina spent their early years trying to blend in, downplaying their heritage to fit in with their predominantly white peers. It wasn't until after college that they embraced their Asian American identity, embarking on a quest to understand what it truly means.
Now, Katerina is passionate about sharing the richness of this identity and fostering pride within our community. As a storyteller for AGI, they are thrilled to connect with Asian girls, offering them the representation and guidance I wished for in my youth. Through their art and writing, including their upcoming poetry book "Gospel of a Whole Sun," Katerina explores themes of creativity, identity, and liberation. Additionally, they coach and facilitate workshops on these topics, aiming to empower others to discover their unique paths.
Celebrating their AAPI identity involves living authentically and boldly, while also creating new traditions and celebrations rooted in Katerina’s heritage. Maya Angelou's words, "At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel," resonate deeply with them. It reminds them that impacting others positively is the true measure of success in their journey.
