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Learn more about Riley Hale and get to know the person behind the posts you have read.

Riley Hale

Riley has been a reporter for the Thunderword since 2025. She’s a Running Start student majoring in communications, passionate about connecting and sharing stories from all perspectives. She loves exploring Seattle with friends and being involved with the community, but on her own she also enjoys reading, sketching and going on jogs along the beach.

Riley Hale's Recent Posts:

“The Queer History of Piercing”: A masterclass on the body modification history

Highline’s Q-Center hosted an opportunity to learn about the history of body modification practices in LGBTQ spaces, with a special presentation by guest speaker and professional piercer Lynn Loheide.

On May 28 Thunderbirds united in Mt. Olympus to learn about everything from piercings, stretchings, tattoos, their evolutions and how to safely manage them.

Highline College provides opportunities for all at Spring Career Fair

Building 8, Mt. Townsend welcomed students and community members to its career fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local organizations of all varieties from STEM to military rejoiced under one roof, providing diverse resources to all.

A typical event with a fun twist – Career and Transfer Services made sure to keep Thunderbirds engaged through refreshments and music, as well as a bingo sheet that could be entered in a drawing for fun prizes.

A difference starts at Highline: A look at the first Spring Volunteer Fair

Service and Mentorship Engagement Consultants (SMEC) hosted over 20 local organizations on Apr. 28, in Building 8 Mt. Constance to spread the word about their missions and ways to make a difference.

No matter what you’re passionate about, the Spring Volunteer Fair had a diverse variety of opportunities. From environmental science to human justice, the room was filled with possibilities complimented with music and refreshments.

Trader Joe’s bags & overconsumption: How aesthetics drain our pockets

Employees of the popular American grocery chain Trader Joe’s were in for a surprise earlier this month when the high demand for a limited edition rerelease of a fan favorite – canvas tote bags – led to lines for miles outside the front doors.

But these aren’t just any bags, they’re plastered with light pastel colors. These are perfect for the Easter season, or any occasion where you need a bit of color or a bit of extra cash, as resellers camped to market these totes for  thousands of dollars more than their original $2.99 price on secondhand sites.

Brushstrokes of Being event brings art, earth, & awareness to Highline

The Inter-Cultural Center opened their doors for Earth Day as Highline students filled the room with color to express their creativity through canvas painting. The Q-Center provided all artists with canvases, brushes, and vibrant colors to their heart’s content, along with full creative liberty.

“This is an event about identity and how our identity shapes the future,” said M.B., a professor in Geology & Environmental Science at Highline, aiming to highlight the importance of how climate change affects marginalized groups.

A place for everyone: A look at Highline’s spring Club Fair

Diverse clubs of many cultural backgrounds and interests united in Building 8, promoting and educating others on opportunities to connect throughout spring quarter.

Whether you’re a student looking for college resources, an up and coming filmmaker, or someone looking for an LGBTQ+ centered community, there’s a club for every Thunderbird at this quarterly event.

Highline announces paid student leadership positions

Highline College’s core services have been going above and beyond to recruit students for their leadership team positions that specialize in a variety of skills. 

Programs looking for new hires include the Associated Students of Highline College (ASHC), Inter-Cultural Center (ICC), Q-Center, and more.

How to fight burnout during finals week

As another busy quarter draws to a close, all Thunderbirds can relate to burnout. The feeling of cramming for that final exam, while your partner won’t respond regarding the group project as your final essay remains untouched, the responsibilities can be exhausting and demotivating.

What is hard to notice is the habits we partake in when we’re stressed, and how some minimal changes make a noticeable difference in our energy and mood.

Spotlight-worthy moments from the 2025 SAG Awards

The 31st Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards ceremony was a two-hour event that gave 15 awards to actors and ensembles for their incredible performances, highlighting some of the biggest names in the industry as well as up-and-coming stars. 

The ceremony was broadcast live on Netflix Sunday, Feb. 23., with charming host Kirsten Bell lighting up the stage. Shogun won four awards for best ensemble performances, plus actress and actor in a drama. Six-decade Hollywood star Jane Fonda was given SAG’s Life Achievement Award, and so much more, all complemented with nostalgic montages and skits in between.

Umoja hosts fourth annual Black Business Expo

Highline College hosted the fourth annual Umoja Black Business Expo this past Wednesday. From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Building 8 Mt. Constance was home to a diverse collection of art and culture, from shirts and jewelry to massages and haircuts, all made with love and pride.

30+ vendors participated in this event celebrating Black History Month, coming together to promote their small businesses. This time, they were accompanied by live music provided by Vibe Bingo.

Kanye West & celebrity accountability: Where do we draw the line?

Needless to say, Kanye West has had an eventful February – but for all the wrong reasons. His blatant racism, misogyny, and antisemitism hasn’t been uncommon but has only grown more concerning by the year and has sparked an even bigger debate after he walked the Grammys red carpet with his wife visibly nude. 

With all he’s done, it’s shocking he still has a platform. Can we expect him to face any real repercussions? To me, it’s clear that the notorious loyalty of his fans make these controversies nothing but publicity for his summer 2025 album. But what exactly causes this attachment especially in the music industry?

Fireside Bistro is looking for new employees

Fireside Bistro, the hit spot in Building 8 for all things warm and cozy to fresh and sweet, recently announced on their social media that they are hiring a barista for the spring quarter. 

This student position involves collaborating with other workers to prepare drinks and food, as well as maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for all Thunderbirds. The Bistro can easily become one of the busiest spots to eat on campus, so applicants should be comfortable in a quick-paced environment and should take on any task.