Highline’s quarterly ThunderWeek welcomes students back onto campus for another exciting quarter. This one held the traditional open houses and club fair, introduced a DIY hat decorating event, and culminated in Spring Fest. Dozens of students attended events throughout the week, gearing up for a fun and festive quarter ahead.
The DIY hat bar attracted around two dozen students. Different shades of ball caps were supplied by the Q-Center, along with sequins, fabric swatches, and iron-on patches to create individualized designs. Some represented school spirit while others used the opportunity to make their own team or city swag.
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Vincent Nguyen/THUNDERWORD
Tou (left), Thet (right), and another pose with different hats that were supplied for students to decorate.
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Casandra Soto/THUNDERWORD
An array of crafts supplies were offered for hat decorating, encouraging unique and colorful designs. Small irons were offered to attach patches onto the front of the hats.
Spring quarter also brings new clubs and opportunities for students, of which, JUNTOS and the African American Male Education Network & Development (A2MEND) are the newest additions to supporting community and student achievement.
While talking with the JUNTOS representative, they noted the need for their program to serve the Hispanic community at Highline (especially considering our diversity rates). The program would focus on building community through Hispanic culture and supporting Hispanic students in general as they advance through the transfer process. Because they work in accordance to other Center for Leadership and Service (CLS) programs (i.e. UMOJA, MESA, etc.), they are especially focused on building community and serving it through the program.
JUNTOS is looking for members. As a newer club they used the fair to gauge engagement from the student body. The first interest meeting in the program is following soon after – on April 8 on the 6th floor of the library (BLDG 25, room 607). Students are encouraged to attend to discuss involvement opportunities, club expectations, and to connect with other Latine students.
A2MEND is another new club addition showcased at the fair. Yusef Yosef, the President of the A2MEND charter, at the club’s fair noted a part of the mission statement, “The A2MEND student charter provides an opportunity to promote a sense of brotherhood and positivity among its members, within campus, and the surrounding community.”
A2MEND is a nationally recognized organization initially based in California. The organization itself focuses on male African mentorship, leadership, and supporting academic excellence. While at Highline, A2MEND is open for everyone who supports the mission of developing professional skills while promoting social justice through community.
The entire club’s fair was hosted by CLS, who focus on cultural inclusion and student teams under CLS. The events and resources the center provides are based in supporting student achievement, including legacy awards and a leadership retreat.
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Erich (E.T.) Elwin and Yusef Yosef pose in front of A2MEND’s informational.
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Stephen Glover/THUNDERWORD
Eden Storey represents the R.I.P.P.L.E. club; a student group focused on environmental sustainability.
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Stephen Glover/THUNDERWORD
Christopher represents the newly rebranded World Languages Club focused on cultural community and education.
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Stephen Glover/THUNDERWORD
Highline’s Dance Collective tables at the club fair.
A CLS representative at the club fair stated, “CLS offers paid positions throughout the year.” The current cycle is set to close on April 19. Students are encouraged to apply on Highline’s Career Services website where you can find eligibility requirements and descriptions of the positions offered.
The club’s team (a subsection of CLS) supports student organizations, whether they are community or service based. The club’s team does this by helping these clubs plan events, secure meeting spaces, and understand how to fund their respective materials.
Like the clubs fair, the DIY hat bar held on Wednesday offered socializing opportunities for students who attended the event. Through plenty of crafting supplies, students were able to connect with one another while showcasing their creativity in decorating their own hats over snacks and conversations.
Ending ThunderWeek was the Spring Fest, another socializing event that provided activities and Mike’s Shave Ice – a family owned small business based in the King County area.
Whether you want to join a new club, or find support through the club’s team on starting your own, faculty and club representatives are eager to assist you in the resources needed to support your success as a student.
