Unlocking the Salem Medina

By: Sydney Halsey 

Salem students, alongside mentor facilitators, explored the topic of communication through the lens of Morocco’s culture on Oct. 10, 2025. This immersive experience was part of the RISE Leadership Program at Salem, which takes place once every fall and spring semester. Co-led by Dr. Victoria King and Dr. JaNae Joyner, the session drew from the experiences of Salem’s faculty and staff who visited Morocco over the summer, connecting their newfound insights to health leadership. 

Through an escape-room-style adventure, Salem Academy and College students collaborated with mentor facilitators to “unlock the Salem Medina.” The term “medina” refers to an eight-point star commonly found in Moroccan architecture. Each of the eight challenges represented one point of the star, with participants “unlocking” a new point as they completed each activity. Throughout the event, participants explored the key aspects of communication, whether it was the hospitality of pouring and sharing mint tea or various verbal and non-verbal forms of communication. 

Sydney Halsey is pouring Moroccan mint tea from a kettle. Photo credit: Faith Allred.

(Left to Right) Dr. Jason Roberston, Michael Williams, and Dean Brett Woods Discuss Salem Medina. Photo Credit: Abby Lowry.

Attendees negotiated rug purchases, played emotion identification charades, and participated in speed listening and gratitude rituals, which all emphasized Salem’s touchstones of respect, care, and integrity to create authentic connection. 

Lauren Hutchens Writing Photo credit: Abby Lowry

The final code, pieced together from clues inside envelopes, unlocked the “Salem Medina” and a lockbox, which contained a ticket to redeem for Salem swag.

Salem Medina Completion Swag Ticket. Photo Credit: Sydney Halsey 

This not only excited attendees but also highlighted the benefits of collaboration and effective communication. Salem students can look forward to attending the next RISE Leadership Day taking place on Feb. 20, 2026, with registration opening closer to the event.