Highline’s winter quarter, and the new year, got off to an out-of-this-world start with the Center for Leadership & Service and the Center for Cultural & Inclusive Excellence welcoming all students back to campus with a week of programs during this quarter’s ThunderWeek. 

Once again, another holiday season has come and gone. Christmas lights are taken down, family members are bid farewell, and everyone solemnly returns to their work or studies. Though, despite the low mood, ThunderWeek, a quarterly tradition, was here to lift students’ spirits.

From Monday to Thursday last week, the Centers hosted activities every day to engage returning students. From games to crafts, friends to strangers, and snacks to prizes, these events brought students from various backgrounds together to enjoy what the festivities offered. 

The first event, Galactic Games, was held on Monday afternoon. Tables hosted games like Connect Four, Battleship, and Yahtzee, as well as a massive snack bar. At the end was a Kahoot game for teams of two or three that consisted of college, geography, and entertainment questions and rewarded the podium finishers with prizes.

Wednesday continued with a morning Discovery Fair. Club leaders set up their stand designs in a walkway formation, and raffle passports were available for students who visited six stands. The Thunderword was represented by staff reporter Cam Lyons, who noted their favorite part was seeing other students show off their passions and interests.

Later that afternoon was the Open Gym Odyssey at the Pavillion. In a collaboration with athletics and Highline intramural sports, an indoor space hosted several games with a field reserved for each. Basketball, soccer, badminton, pickleball, ping-pong, and volleyball all had respective open stations.

And lastly, Thursday returned to Building 8 with Cosmic Crafts. Students could grab plain cookies and decorate them with frosting and sprinkles before eating them or taking them home. Snacks and drinks were also available for students who registered at the neighboring desk.

Thunderword staff interviewed Center representative and event organizer, Sara Thomas. Regarding prizes, Thomas said, “We give away prize items to get students excited and engaged, for those nervous to attend.” Prizes include coffee mugs and pencil pouches with candy inside.

A majority of ThunderWeek events are also inspired by student feedback. After each ThunderWeek, student feedback forms are sent to gather event ideas or adjustments. Thomas said, “The events aren’t for me, but for students to attend. That’s why we take student feedback so seriously.”

ThunderWeek is held at the start of fall, winter, and spring quarters, but the Centers are constantly organizing and planning new events. These events are always built with students in mind, and anyone is always welcome to attend.

As Thomas recommends for those reluctant to attend, “Step outside your comfort zone… maybe go with a friend. It doesn’t hurt to try!”