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August 2021 Blog Post

Home/Uncategorized/August 2021 Blog Post
2021-08-03T12:00:31+00:00 Print Page

August 2021 Blog Post

Diversity and Multiculturalism

This month’s theme is diversity and multiculturalism. It can broaden perspectives, make you a global citizen, and celebrate different cultures, to name a few. An Islamic proverb states that “A lot of different flowers make a bouquet”. At Highline College there is a garden of flowers around us. We have over 150 languages spoken on campus, represented by our domestic and international students as well as faculty and staff. In 2014, we were even ranked the most diverse community college in the United States! Highline prides itself on the beautiful cultural diversity that can be found on its campus. 

I learned about multiculturalism at a very young age. Being half Filipino and half Irish I observed there were many different cultures that existed. I also learned that people can be very different, which is a beautiful thing. Multiculturalism focuses on respect, inclusiveness, and acknowledging unequal power in society. In the landscape of international education we continue to increase our cultural competence. Cultural Competence is “having an awareness of one’s own cultural identity and views about difference, and the ability to learn and build on the varying cultural and community norms of students and their families” (www.nea.org). 

Born in California, there was a degree of ethnic and cultural diversity that was present in my city of Inglewood. Brought up in both Seattle and Hawaii also added to that cultural experience. After bouncing around to 18 different schools I became a cultural chameleon that learned to adapt to different environments and people. Being around so many different cultures had a big impact on my life and was the primary reason why I decided to live and study abroad (Join us in Vietnam!) in France and Switzerland. It is what led me to this career path and ultimately my decision to join International Student Programs at HC. 

There are several ways to increase your global competence and celebrate culture right here at Highline! The Global Community Initiative aims to bring the Highline community together to understand our complicated world and connect with each other on global issues. You can connect with the International Student Programs office at one of their Hangouts (see below) to meet international students. We have some amazing resources and programming on campus including the Inter-Cultural center, and connecting with the Global Student Ambassadors. If you are interested in language classes, why not learn Arabic, Japanese, French, or Spanish? Or perhaps enroll in one of our Diversity & Global Studies courses? 

Whichever route you choose, we are here to help serve you in your academic journey. We hope that you have a great August and all of us are looking forward to seeing you soon! 

Aloha a hui ho,

  • Jesse Aspree, Director International Student Programs

Important Dates for Student Success

  • Student Services Division Zoom Lobby Hours
    • All Student Services departments (unless indicated) have the same Zoom Lobby Hours starting August 2 to September 3rd.
      • M, W, TH 9am – 4:30pm, T 10am-6pm 
    • Complete list of Zoom Lobby links can be found here: https://www.highline.edu/covid19/zoom-lobbies/ 
  • Student Services In-Person Hours of Operation
    • Monday thru Thursday, 10am-2pm
  • Student Services Department Zoom Lobby Hours

Student Services, Resource, and Activity Highlight

  • COVID-19 Financial Relief Fund Application 
  • International Student Services office hours 
    • Appointments and Drop-In Advising available on campus beginning Monday, August 2nd
      • Monday-Thursday 10 am – 2 pm
      • Building 25 (Library)
      • *During 8/2-8/6 please call 206-592-3725 to be let into the building
      • More information: https://international.highline.edu/
  • Campus View Student Housing – Apply for Housing!
    • Campus View Student Housing would like to welcome any interested students to apply for housing for the upcoming Academic Year beginning in the Fall Quarter 2021. Campus View, in partnership with the Highline College Foundation, is able to offer a Housing Scholarship of up-to $650 per quarter depending on the Housing Agreement type signed.  Please visit our website – www.highline.edu/campusview – to learn more about housing at Campus View and for further details about the Housing Scholarship.
    • If you have any questions or would like to schedule a tour, please contact us at 206-592-3612 or at housing@highline.edu.  Thank you.
  • Summer Club Meetings & Events
    • Spill Some Ink: A Creative Writing Club
      • Thursdays 1pm-2pm
      • Zoom Passcode: 119305
      • Come prepared to write; we will have prompts, study other writers, and build community. New writers welcome! Our goal is to support Highline writers at all stages of their journey in developing their skills.
    • Highline College Paralegal Association, Coffee Break Series: Court Processes
      • August 3, 2021, 3pm-4pm
      • Zoom Passcode: 31302
      • For more info on which clubs are active over the summer and how to contact club leaders check out the Club Directory!
  • CLS & CCIE are Hiring Student Leaders
    • Applications for the 2021-2022 Core Services Leadership team within The Center are open on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. We are hiring student employees to fill a variety of positions, from program planning to front desk. All our positions support students’ growth in leadership and social justice. You can submit one application for multiple positions.
  • ThunderWeek Fall 2021 Preview
    • Thunder Week is a week of programs to welcome all Highline students at the beginning of each quarter. During ThunderWeek, connect with other students, learn about ways you can get involved at Highline, and celebrate being a Highline student. This year’s theme is A Map to Community. Check out the ThunderWeek website to view more details and the schedule as it is finalized.
    • September 27–October 1, 2021 cls.highline.edu/thunderweek
  • CONNECT Program and Thunderbird Thursdays Preview
    • The CONNECT Program is a community of students engaged in leadership opportunities across Highline College. Explore something new while building skills and confidence, and make connections with other students and campus resources. Each month during the academic year, the CONNECT Program will offer Thunderbird Thursdays, leadership workshops offered one Thursday each month. The first Thunderbird Thursday will be part of ThunderWeek on September 30, 2:30–4 p.m. Learn more on the CONNECT Program webpage about the program and upcoming workshops.
  • ISP Hangouts
    • ISP HANGOUTS is a zoom room that all Highline Students are invited to attend. Each month we talk about a different topic. Come hangout, meet new friends, and have fund! 
    • Theme: Summer and Fall Activities. What do you like to do in your free time? What clubs/programs will you join in fall

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