The Impact of Deep Dive: Using Reflection Skills

By Merqui Guevara 

To understand the impact of Deep Dive, you must first understand my journey. The last few years have brought unexpected twists and turns. I often compare my experiences to walking through a fun house, never knowing what the next door will bring. Yet, to move forward and reach the exit, you must open it whether you are ready or not. 

Deep Dive, a belonging and inclusion dialogue at GSS, was emotional, transformative, and exactly what I needed. The activities created intentional discomfort and space for reflection, requiring us to look inside and outside ourselves while sharing. This pushed me to confront misconceptions tied to privilege between white people and people of color. Imagine discussing something as simple as food and feeling like you need to apologize for your opinion. I often felt like I needed to comfort others when they share sadness about privilege, as a woman of color. 

One activity, called caucusing, encouraged us to move into separate spaces based on whether or not we experience privilege or oppression. Separating the group amplified my discomfort. Many who self-identified as people of color were in one room, while those who identified as white or white presenting went into another. It was hard expressing misconceptions when we all joined back together. When we were talking about food, I felt like I had to apologize to make white-identifying participants feel better. It taught me to confront discomfort openly and accept that doing so might make others uneasy. The circle exercise, looking inward and outward, helped me recognize misconceptions and my own biases. This was deep self-reflection. 

The activities became a turning point. They granted me permission to face discomfort and stay grounded even when others felt uneasy. I learned that unawareness often creates misunderstanding, and that unawareness is often the root of awakening. Naming it opens the door to clarity and growth. 

This experience helped me build skills I had neglected while simply trying to get through each day. Deep Dive required vulnerability in spaces where, in the past, being vulnerable triggered old wounds and false assumptions. Until now, I had been living to survive, blending into my environment like a gecko. 

One of my greatest strengths is building community and fostering relationships. Deep Dive deepened my understanding of why conversations beyond small talk matter. They create genuine emotional bonds. The experience also strengthened my professional development and community engagement. Reflective practices like understanding my thoughts, feelings, and behaviors proved essential for my work. It improved my decision-making and taught me to pause when needed, enhancing both personal growth and community connection. Deep Dive reminds me daily to incorporate my reflection skills, which shapes how I serve others. It reaffirmed my purpose and helped me rediscover what brought me to this work in the first place, allowing me to make a meaningful impact. 

The discussions helped me understand not only myself but others, fostering intimacy and trust. Every conversation, no matter how difficult, eventually brought joy and deeper relationships. Sharing beyond the surface created a safe space for all of us. Being heard and listening with genuine curiosity allowed us to approach each exchange with openness and a desire to learn. 

This experience invited deeper reflection in all areas of my life. It strengthened my values and commitment to our mission. It taught me that listening isn’t just hearing, it’s understanding with intention. The insights gained helped me envision future aspirations and realign with my purpose. Deep Dive is an experience I encourage everyone to take and… dig deeper.