On the 9th of February, the “Dialogue Evening: Community in Difficult Times”, organised by the TU/e and TINT, took place. It was an opportunity for students and staff of the TU/e to meet each other and talk about their experiences within the TU/e during difficult times. Within a safe space, they listen to the stories of others within our community, share their own experiences, and with their advice contribute to the development of the TU/e community.
Here I'm sitting, alone at a table. Tonight, I am the guardian of peace, or, well, actually, I am more like a bouncer, making sure there are no unexpected people walking into the event. I coordinate the program and keep an eye out for anyone who seems to need something.
Around me are tables surrounded by about five to seven people who are opening their hearts to these people they have never met before. The tables are spread across a large area, each tucked away in its own corner. So all stories are solely shared with the people on that specific table. It's their safe space where they can share their personal stories of the difficult times they've been through and how they've experienced the TUe community.
The people here come from various backgrounds with diverse reasons to be here tonight, from Iranian students going through an emotional, stressful, heartbreaking time to employees who want to hear the experiences of the community.
It is amazing to see people opening up and making new connections. And I say “see” as I am just an outside observer, not here to partake, but to guarantee safety and quietly manage whatever might need managing.
I sit, watch, and walk around, but no support is needed from me. I walk around to check up on people, and each and every group seems to have personal conversations. I see tissues being tossed and warm embraces being given. Here and there, some watery eyes and tears are being shed, but that is alright. Those emotions are allowed to be there, and it only shows the beauty of people truly daring to open up. Even as an outsider, I feel the warmth of a community; people being here for one another, open to share and open to listen.
During the break, this warm and open vibe is even more obvious while these people keep talking in a peaceful and caring manner.
I love having been part of this event: that we can make this happen is truly amazing. Something was touched tonight, and I hope this marks the beginning of something big.
Talking to other students or employees sometimes feels like a big threshold, but tonight it felt natural and easy, as if the threshold had never been there before.
Time for me to step back into my role. Time to round off the conversations…
If you could not attend the event, but would still like to share your experience or provide your feedback to the TU/e. You can still do so in this form until the 6th of March. Your input will stay anonymous and will be combined with the feedback from the Dialogue Evening itself into a report to give to the TU/e.
By Kimberly Drabbels
Program manager at TINT and co-organiser of this Dialogue Evening
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