Strengths and Achievements Wall: A Reflection

At our 2024 annual forum in Detroit, Michigan, BAPA hosted a breakout session called the Strengths and Achievements Wall. This activity encouraged attendees to pause and reflect on their personal growth. On sticky notes, participants wrote down one strength and one achievement that they were proud of. Then, they placed the notes on a wall for others to see. What emerged was a powerful visual collage of resilience, compassion, perseverance, and joy. The wall was simple in design but rich in meaning.

Participants’ notes highlighted a multitude of strengths, including showing up for others in need, being a good listener, embracing empathy, prioritizing health, problem solving, and holding fast to dreams and values. Additionally, attendees jotted down how they’re proud of strengths like finding humor in adversity, choosing to accept others as they are, and nurturing both inner peace and personal growth.

The achievements that participants shared were just as moving. Attendees celebrated earning a PhD, overcoming depression, starting a business, traveling solo, rebuilding a car engine, and taking care of aging parents. Others shared milestones like becoming a BAPA scholar, paying off debt, treating family members to a vacation, being the first in their family to graduate, and moving to the US on their own. 

One person wrote, “I didn’t let go of my dreams, passions, values, or love for people, all while cherishing the child in me.” On another note, a participant wrote how proud they were to qualify for a career win despite doubt from their inner circle.

Kanita Lipjankić, a founding member of BAPA, attended the forum this year. Her presence brought history into the room, reminding attendees and BAPA board members alike of how far we’ve come. Lipjankić offered a powerful reflection that spoke to our roots and the spirit of the Bosnian community.

While rereading the messages on these sticky notes, I’m reminded that our stories connect us and hold us together. Thank you to all the attendees for sharing your light. May we keep building together.