NEWS Ethnic Student Center Spring 2014 Beginning in 1991 with 5 clubs, the Ethnic Student Center now has 16 active clubs and is considered a "home away from home" by many! During Back 2 Bellingham weekend, the ESC will be hosting a social for any friends and family affiliated with and interested in the center. Come check out the new additions we’ve made, in addition to new programs we have implemented, such as the ESC Commencement. Reminisce about the past with colleagues and bridge connections with current club members. See how far we’ve come and give your insight for our potential future. Refreshments will be provided. Back to Bellingham Social Saturday, May 17th, 2:30-4:00 pm Ethnic Student Center, VU 420 INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2 Meet the ESC Staff 4 Message from ESC Coordinator 5 Annika Wolters, Poem: “My Black Is…” 6 10 11 Back ESC Clubs/Organizations Profiles Academic Advisor Update Community Events ESC Commencement & Conference Event Calendar at a Glance April 5 April 11 April 12 April 25-26 April 26 KhSA/TSA Heritage Dinner KSA LiNK Event LSU Dinner NASU Pow Wow FASA PCN Culture Shock May 7 May 10 May 17 May 17 ACC Dinner ESC Alumni Social HOH Luau Low Rider Show Naked Truth on Stereotypes ESC Commencement May 18 May 31-June 1 June 13
Transcript
NEWS Ethnic Student Center
Spring 2014
Beginning in 1991 with 5 clubs, the Ethnic Student Center now has 16
active clubs and is considered a "home away from home" by many!
During Back 2 Bellingham weekend, the ESC will be hosting a social
for any friends and family affiliated with and interested in the center.
Come check out the new additions we’ve made, in addition to new
programs we have implemented, such as the ESC Commencement.
Reminisce about the past with colleagues and bridge connections
with current club members. See how far we’ve come and give your
insight for our potential future. Refreshments will be provided.
Back to Bellingham Social
Saturday, May 17th, 2:30-4:00 pm
Ethnic Student Center, VU 420
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2 Meet the ESC Staff
4 Message from ESC Coordinator
5 Annika Wolters, Poem: “My Black Is…”
6
10
11
Back
ESC Clubs/Organizations Profiles
Academic Advisor Update
Community Events
ESC Commencement & Conference
Event Calendar at a Glance
April 5
April 11
April 12
April 25-26
April 26
KhSA/TSA Heritage Dinner
KSA LiNK Event
LSU Dinner
NASU Pow Wow
FASA PCN
Culture Shock May 7
May 10
May 17
May 17
ACC Dinner
ESC Alumni Social
HOH Luau
Low Rider Show
Naked Truth on Stereotypes
ESC Commencement
May 18
May 31-June 1
June 13
2 | Ethnic Student Center Newsletter
MEET THE ESC STAFF
Hey! I am a So Cal girl who has somehow landed in the cloudiest and rainiest place in
the entire world (at least that’s how it feels). What I miss most about home is my crazy
family and friends, living in a truly diverse community, the sunshine and warmth, and
my favorite cupcake shop, Yummy Cupcakes. I LOVE poetry, and I believe that poetry—
not to mention other forms of art—is an undervalued means of activism. I am quiet
and introverted by nature, preferring to think and listen more than speak, so if I only
smile at you, but don’t say anything, that really means, “Hey, I think you’re amazing.”
DANIELLE SMITH program coordinator
Hi my name is Nate Panelo and I am your fellow. I graduated from WWU in 2007 and
during my time here, I was an ESC leader, on the AS Board for two years, and majored
in Human Services. After, I went to grad school at the University of Vermont where I
received my Masters in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration. After two
years in the field, WWU pulled me back in to fill in some big shoes. With my second
year coming to a close, I would say I made the right choice coming back to my “home
away from home.”
NATE PANELO coordinator
"Differences are not intended to separate, or to alienate. We are different precisely in order to realize our need for one another." ―Desmond Tutu
I am a sister, a lover, a cat owner, and the ESC Program Support Coordinator. I
identify as a first-generation, biracial, woman of color with ambitious goals and
cosmic dreams. I’m earning a double major in Psychology and Communication
Studies, as well as two minors: Political Science and Diversity in Higher Education.
Live the life you love, and love the life you live…but don’t forget to breathe. Come
by and say Hi! <3
POLLY WOODBURY program support coordinator
Yo! What’s good, I’m Pollete Traña. My favorite fruits are mango and banana. I’m an
Office Assistant for the ESC, Come on by and chat with me! I grew up in Seattle, reppin’
the two-oh-six. Groups of all colors are my types of cliques. I’m always smiling to try
and make your day. I have stickers and candy if you fill out a survey. I’m Nicaraguan and
many don’t know it. But I’ll bust out some Spanish if I need to show it. As you can see,
I’m corny, but that is okay. Because the ESC supports me anyway! Much love.
I have a heart for encouraging others to live out their life in joy, success, and
love. Check my tweets if you want some inspiration @MisssWallStreet. I am an
International Business major, I’m obsessed with the show Scandal, and I strive
for excellence in everything I set out to do. I enjoy traveling, lounging, and
taking in the priceless moments of life. Post-graduation, I desire to create an
organization which will provide financial stability and growth for low-income
minority households, through workshops, budgeting practice and more.
GLADIATORS UNITE!
CHELSEA GHANT office assistant
Hi, I’m Teena. I’m a girl with big dreams of working in a fashion company
in LA or even better, to be able to eat tons of food all over the world. I
love anything that deals with creativity or art and sometimes I like to
post videos of me singing and stuff on YouTube because music is my
life. I think I’m pretty hilarious, so I think you would probably think I’m
hilarious. I like Sriracha on everything and long walks to the fridge. I love
to love and I love to laugh. My family means the world to me and I hope
to make a difference in our society one day, especially first generation
college students like me.
TEENA THACH public relations coordinator
Hey Hey! I’m Stephanie! From the Federal Way area, HOLLA! Moved to WA from
San Diego. My favorite colors are bluish-turquoisy colors. I wished I lived in the
island while drinking out of a pineapple/coconut. love learning about different
cultures. Okay I am actually very shy, even though I don’t look like it. Once I get
comfortable I can’t stop yapping away. I’m obsessed with buying makeup; I can
talk about it all day long. I am always in a good mood :) I am basically a big kid at
heart! Love, Peace, and Chicken grease!
STEPHANIE PEREZ office assistant
MEET THE ESC STAFF
Did you know?
The ESC staff is completely
addicted to the ABC show
4 | Ethnic Student Center Newsletter
When you can do the common things of life in an uncommon way, you will command
the attention of the world. -George Washington Carver
vesting our time and energy just to see them leave. I just
want to keep them all to myself and never let them leave…
I hope all of you reading find my partial sarcasm. But really,
our hope is to provide the best possible experience as stu-
dents at WWU and set them up for success after they leave
our doors as college graduates. Our staff is dedicated to
getting new students into our door, supporting them as
individuals and watching them walk down that aisle to
shake the university president’s hand, while he hands them
their diplomas. Across the nation, roughly 40% students of
color graduate within 6 years of enrollment. The number
for WWU is a bit better than the national average, but a bit
better is not good enough.
That is my social justice. If only 50% of our student of color
population graduates in 6 years, well you better believe
that our goal is that 100% of our students will be the half
who will be sitting in Carver waiting for their name to be
called to get their degree. Our main purpose is retention.
Many of our graduates from the ESC say that if it wasn’t for
the center, they wouldn’t be where they are today
(including myself). But I want more students to say, “The
ESC was one of the reasons why I graduated.”
It is funny how sometimes we tell people that they should
try something new, but then when we are challenged to
change our routine, we get uncomfortable. It’s happening
to me right now. My partner just moved in with me. I am
learning to readjust my schedule, live with a dog, and share
time with the TV. I’ve recognized that change happens in
our life constantly, but when things are working well, why
change it? It’s because that is how we grow. The students
we work with only have a couple of years with us, and then,
they are gone. They graduate and move on to bigger and
better things. And here we are, building relationships, in-
New roads might be scary, but it’s the only way to see new things
But before we jump into trying something new, we
must be mindful and understanding of those shoulders
we walk on. I would say many of our advancements are
due to students, faculty, and staff who came before us.
And because of that, we would like to show our deep-
est appreciation and respect. Many of our changes
stem from the vision of past generations, and we hope
to continue our efforts to make that vision a reality.
So, new roads might be scary, but I assure you that
when you lean into what’s uncomfortable, you will be
amazed what positive experiences lie on the other side
mission statement
The Ethnic Student Center is a community that supports
historically underrepresented ethnic students and allies
by providing a social atmosphere and inclusive
environment where we engage in identity exploration
and strive for cultural awareness and academic
excellence.
A note from the ESC Coordinator
of the road. Explore new territory with us, won’t you?
Spring 2014| 5
I had to sit down and have a talk with my Black before I could figure out
exactly, what is she? I wanted to call on her, but she stayed silent at the back
of the classroom. For some time she didn’t say anything, so I asked Webster
to define her.
Black: of the color black; of or relating to the various groups of dark-skinned
people; swarthy, wicked, evil, soiled, dirty; reflecting or transmitting little to
no light; indicating condemnation or discredit; very sad, gloomy; dismal;
guilty.
My Black decided she was tired of being defined by her relationship to white,
so she raised her hand.
Black is older than Webster, she said.
My Black is tired of being constantly on display—behind bulletproof glass;
of being stored behind white-trimmed doors. I am sick of being read about
and studied on white pages in classrooms with no Black people.
My Black is fed up with deciding when and when not to be Black in the first
place.
To me, diversity is not a value I hold close to my heart. It’s a turtleneck
sweater I can’t take off; a full-body tattoo I can’t cover up. And if you
embraced me, I would say it for you.
If my Black is sad, gloomy, dismal or wicked it’s because she doesn’t see
herself in anything that she does. She sees a reflection, sketched up and
drawn out for her by others. My Black has never been anything else, and she
still can’t define herself.
But she is a ship—with Black sails, slowly approaching a beach with Black
sands, and people waving Black flags as a sign of peace.
And when my Black is sitting on the dock of the promised bay, I’ll know it’s
because she broke that glass, and stepped out of her frame.
My black is... An
nik
a Wo
lters | My
Black
Is...
In an effort to portray the vast diversity and beauty within the black community, the board for the Black Student Union chose “My Black Is ________” as the theme for the 23rd annual Black Student Union Heritage Dinner. Each member of the BSU board shared a piece that described what their particular and unique “Black” is. Annika Wolters, VP of the BSU, shares her poem with us again today.
Annika, pictured above with her
mother at the BSU Heritage Dinner,
is a fourth year student working on
a double major in Journalism and
Communications.
6 | Ethnic Student Center Newsletter
ESC CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS
The Thai Student Association club purpose is to serve as a cultural/ethnic club
at WWU. The aim is to depict positive Thai culture through education, social
and recreational activities to all members and community affiliates. TSA also
hopes to promote diversity within the WWU and local community.
Thai Student Association [TSA]
Korean Student Association [KSA]
The purpose of KSA is to create an environment of tolerance of ideas,
culture, peoples and religion for ourselves, our children, our community,
and future incarnations of the association and to immerse people in the
Korean culture.
The Ethnic Student Center is comprised of 16 organizations, all vastly unique but sharing common
purposes: striving for community inclusion, affirming each others’ identities, and advocating for their
respective communities, with an eye toward the generations that will follow. Each organization holds
regular meetings, hosts organization-level to campus-wide events, and collaborates with other local,
campus, and national organizations.
Mixed Identity Student Organization [MISO]
We, the Mixed Identity Student Organization of WWU, seek to form
a community of students who desire ownership of
their identities. We seek to function as a community resource
which promotes self-exploration and understanding. To explicate,
social and cultural politics are inescapable to our self-
construction, and in deconstructing (or reconstructing) these, and
in these confrontations/questions of haecceity and quiddity.
The Vietnamese Student Association is a student led
organization that strives to bring together students of
Vietnamese heritage and those who are interested in
our culture.
Vietnamese Student Association [VSA]
Spring 2014| 7
Movimiento Estudiantil Chican@ De Aztlan [M.E.Ch.A]
M.E.Ch.A stands for El Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano@ de Aztlan.
M.E.Ch.A chapter is open to all students and dedicated to confronting edu-
cational and social justice issues facing the Chican@, Latin@ communities
today. Through education, we are committed to the promotion of ethnic
tolerance, inter-cultural understanding, and empowerment. As students
and activists, we recognize the need to extend our mission beyond the
campus of Western Washington University and into the greater community
of La Raza and beyond.
The Latino Student Union promotes the unity, education, heritage, and culture of
the Latino Community. We are a resource for Latino students and Allies alike. LSU
advocates awareness on social, cultural and identity issues faced by the Latino
population, both within the US and in Latin America. We embrace all those who
embrace us and wish to celebrate and recognize Latino culture.
Latino Student Union [LSU]
ESC CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS
The purpose of the African Caribbean Club is to instill a positive environment in
which members can feel welcome and at home. As a club we will work to learn
and increase awareness of the African Caribbean nations, our people, values,
cultures, customs, and believes here at Western Washington University and our
surrounding communities at large.
African Caribbean Club [ACC]
Chinese Student Association [CSA]
Chinese Student Association is a club dedicated to sharing with the
Western Washington University campus the love of our Chinese heritage
by meeting with other Chinese and learning about our culture through
fun activities, provoking questions and flavorful cuisine.
8 | Ethnic Student Center Newsletter
NASU is more than a club, it's a community! NASU is an ethnic club within the ESC,
we are a club that comes together to be there for one another, share traditions
with one another and strive to teach the WWU community about our traditions,
beliefs and values through campus events. We also strive to invite anyone and
everyone to be apart of the club, you do NOT have to be Native to be in the club,
we strive to make everyone feel like they have a comfortable environment to turn
to while at Western.
Native American Student Association [NASU]
Khmer Student Association [KhSA]
The purpose of KhSA is to learn, preserve, and increase awareness of the
Khmer culture, values, customs, and beliefs, as well as provide outreach to
the campus of Western Washington University, surrounding communities,
and regional youth.
ESC CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS
Queer People of Color provides a space for queer people of color and those
in solidarity with us to organize, socialize, and discuss issues impacting us
as people with intersecting identities. We are a support group working to
dismantle oppression, including heterosexism, transphobia, racism, and
classism in our communities within and out of WWU.
Queer People of Color [QPOC]
Black Student Union [BSU]
An organization to promote cultural and political
awareness and be active in political and social
change. Furthermore, to encourage higher education,
support all black students and all BSU club members
on campus and provide resources for
academic success.
Spring 2014| 9
The Japanese Student Association (JSA) is committed to promoting a better
understanding of Japanese culture; free from stereotypes and the idealized
images of Japan and its people. The club is open to all who have an interest
in learning more about Japan. It provides opportunities to discuss Japanese
customs, travel destinations, language, holidays, sports, fashion and the
arts. We, the members of The Japanese Student Association, hope that all
members will be able to make meaningful connections with each other and
with others through our club’s meetings, activities and events.
Japanese Student Union [JSA]
South Asian Student Association (SASA)
The South Asian Student Association (SASA) of WWU was first estab-
lished in 1994 and was known as "India Mystica." This group had a
phenomenal first year, and wished to further extend their love for the
South Asian Culture. In 2004 the name of the group was changed to
SASA in order to welcome more diversity into the group, which was
first intended for Indians.
Filipino-American Student Association [FASA]
The purposes of FASA are to promote awareness of the Filipino and Filipino American
culture within WWU and the surrounding community through education. To improve
the academic and social environments of our school by coordinating activities to help
WWU and the greater Bellingham community. To provide a forum in which we can
share aspects of Filipino Culture within our club, our community, and WWU.
Hui ‘o Hawai’i [HOH]
Our purpose is to share, preserve and enjoy the Hawaiian and Polynesian
cultures. We bring everyone together for fun, food and games while also
learning and bringing awareness to WWU and the surrounding community.
ESC CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS
10 | Ethnic Student Center Newsletter
ACADEMIC SUPPORT IN THE ESC
Fabiola: A bittersweet farewell This January, after more than two years at Western, our Academic
Advisor and friend, Fabiola Mora, departed from our campus.
Fabiola returned home to Colorado with her family, where she
will continue her professional and personal journey.
Fabiola is known for her legendary smile, overwhelming kindness,
and for having a truly loving family (not to mention the most
adorable daughter, Diamari). Beyond this, Fabiola’s dedication to
her community and to advocacy for underrepresented minorities
was evident in all that she did.
Though we miss having Fabiola, she will always be a member of
our family, and we know that her advocacy work will continue
wherever she lands, blessing all who she encounters.
In pursuit of our mission of academic excellence, the Ethnic Student Center provides an in-house
academic advisor to assist students with academic advising, goal setting, individualized success
plans, study skills development, and student activities and leadership opportunities. Dr. P will be
present in the ESC Monday-Wednesday providing advising services. Students can make an advising
appointment by visiting VU 420 or calling 360-650-7271 to speak with our Office Assistants.
The ESC welcomes Elena “Dr. P” Pereyra
Dr. P is a Tarahumara, Southwest native who learned much of her
life’s primary lessons from her matrilineal elders. She grew up in
Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles during the 1950s and was active
in the Civil Rights, Chicano, and American Indian Movement. She
supported Cesar Chavez’s farmworker/grape boycott movement
during the 1960s as a driver for the farmworkers in Delano.
Dr. P, a first generation student, began college at 45, earning a
Bachelors in American Cultures & Women Studies, a Masters in
American History, and a Doctorate in Education, Magna Cum
Laude. She actively works to preserve indigenous histories
through research, education, language, and art. Her philosophy
for learning is to “never close yourself to inquiring about the
world.” To this end, her own efforts have enabled her to better
communicate and build stronger relationships across cultures.
Beginning spring quarter, the ESC’s Academic Advisor will be Dr. Elena Pereyra. Known by many simply as “Dr. P,” she
joined Western with fifteen years experience as a teacher and mentor and has most recently been an Academic Support
Coordinator in Student Outreach Services serving first generation students from all over the world.
Spring 2014| 11
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Special Event: Moroccan Stories of Service
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9TH from 7-8pm in CF 120
Meet current Peace Corps volunteer and Western alumnus Monika
Anderson and hear her stories as a Youth in Development volunteer,
currently serving in Morocco.
Author, speaker, coach, and consultant Jullien Gordon will be speaking on:
▪ Personal Capital
▪ Intellectual Capital
▪ Social Capital
▪ Financial Capital
The Ethnic Student Center
Western Washington University
516 High St. ▪ Viking Union 420
Bellingham, WA 98225
Keep in touch!
“Going into the weekend, I had no expectations of the event, nor did
I know anyone who was going. I was diving headfirst into something
that proved to be transformational and quite remarkable.”
—First-time conference attendee
ESC Commencement, June 13
This October, the ESC will be hosting the 24th annual ESC
Conference. Interested in being a workshop presenter, small
group facilitator, or volunteer? Contact Danielle, the event
