Dear Highline College Community, 

Executive Cabinet members read the open letter that was posted in the Thursday, November 27, 2025 edition of the ThunderWord.

We acknowledge the sentiments and experiences that were shared. We are committed to addressing the fundamental issues and systemic concerns raised in the letter.

Highline’s 23rd Annual Legislative Breakfast was spearheaded this Wednesday morning by the Associated Students of Highline College (ASHC).

The event included several key issues brought forth by Highline student presenters, as well as local government officials with keen ears and open mindsets.

As part of an effort to expand four-year degree options beyond traditional universities, Highline College recently held a “Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree at Highline College” giving local students a chance to learn about affordable, career-focused bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) pathways. 

The fair offered prospective students and community members insight into degrees such as Business Management, Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics, Early Childhood Education, and Human Services.

Following the waves of complaints crashing into Financial Aid, Director Corrine Soltis acknowledged the frustration with the department, and internal policies have been changed, effective immediately. 

This acknowledgement has sparked joy and inspiration across faculty and staff. The effort to instigate change in the department has been an ongoing and long process, supported by the faculty who advocated to their students, the staff that supported logistics, and the students who spoke up in surveys, listening sessions, and discussions on campus.

For years, Highline College has prided itself on being one of the most diverse and inclusive colleges in the state of Washington. As a community college, fully one third of students (34%) are on campus to complete high school requirements, whether that is through Running Start or because they were underserved or struggling during their high school careers.

According to the Mission Statement, “Highline College creates anti-racist, equitable pathways in higher education to close opportunity gaps experienced by our students.” Further, the Mission Statement lists the following values: accessibility, accountability, cultural responsiveness and agency, environmental sustainability, equity-first focus, life-long learning, partnership with local and global communities, respect, social justice, student-centered approaches, transparency.

Vice President of Student Services (VPSS) Dr. Jamilyn Penn returned to Acting President this week as President Dr. John Mosby goes on his third medical leave. Dr. Penn steps into the dual roles amid contentious issues with Financial Aid and faculty.

She sat down with Managing Editor Mavrie Durham for a short interview about what she intends to focus on in her time as Acting President.

Highline College’s Financial Aid department has been in the limelight recently, and for all the wrong reasons. Students voiced their concerns and faculty advocated at a Board of Trustees meeting last week. The effort to reform the department is ongoing under new leadership.

The ThunderWord has collected student testimonials alongside the results from a recent survey conducted across campus.

President Donald Trump’s “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” is closely reaching its Nov. 21 deadline.

As top universities across the country issue their response to this loyalty pledge, it’s worth noting how this agenda could impact Highline’s current practices and student body.

As we approach the holidays, we also approach application season. Students will begin to melt over perfecting essays, double-checking submissions, and even trying to find scholarships. So how are we supposed to approach it? What if we don’t have someone over our shoulder, guiding us through the murky waters of scholarship applications? 

The first step: get over the idea that there isn’t a scholarship out there for you. Whether it’s grades or you don’t feel like you made as much of a presence on campus; there’s still something for you.

After the loss of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps or EBT, Highline College Foundation, in partnership with the Community Pantry, are stepping up to help students with an additional $100,000 in funding.

These efforts work towards keeping the campus hunger free.

Recent vandalism at Highline’s satellite campus in Federal Way, the Hub, provided a missed opportunity for Highline’s Executive Cabinet to take stronger stances against bias and antisemitism on campus.

Multiple instances of defacement have not been publicly condemned thus far, with only a single line addressing the existence of bias in a campus email.

After months of uncertainty following the loss of a major federal Title III grant, the Academic Success Center (ASC) at Highline College has secured new funding to keep the ASC in operation.

The solution came when interim Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Rolita Ezeonu identified emergency funds to support, offering a possible lifeline to students and staff. 

The Associated Students of Highline College (ASHC) hosted an open mic yesterday for students to share their voices in concern directly with Highline’s Executive Cabinet (EC). The message these students received was clear: We know, get over it.

Highline’s 2025 fall quarter has been met with its fair share of obstacles. From losing Title III funding, to the rising cost of living in the area, students have been under months of duress.

These past few weeks there has been a bit of a dispute on campus concerning the south plaza outside of the library (Building 25) reserved for free speech where several men have planted themselves with anti-abortion posters. The President of Highline College sent out an email regarding this issue saying “As a State agency, guests may visit our campus to express personal views and opinions (WAC 132I-140-012).”

The proselytizers standing in the south plaza have very graphic posters of what they claim to be an aborted baby, or what can also be called a spontaneous abortion.

The Academic Success Center (ASC) opened its doors to showcase its wide range of free tutoring and academic support services offered to students. Held in Building 25, the open house welcomed students and faculty to learn more about opportunities available in math, writing, public speaking, and general coursework. 

Attendees of the open house heard from ASC staff who shared insights about the tutoring process and how students can get involved or join in.

Have you ever screamed yourself hoarse into your pillow, when frustration or despair surmounts? The cathartic release leaves you feeling slightly better, if not more tired, and slightly emptier than a few moments before. Scream therapy is a type of expressive therapy, now weaved into art and culture. Perhaps some of us could benefit from the emotional release of stress here on campus. 

Scream therapy, an off-shoot of “primal therapy” came around in the 1970s from psychologist Arthur Janov, but the idea that screaming as a form of emotional release provides a “cure from neurosis,” as claimed Janov, is still speculative.

After a summer of tense meetings, classified staff and Highline College have reached a collective bargaining agreement.

A joint response from stewards, the bargaining team, and the union, said, “The Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA) Classified Staff have ratified their 2026-2027 contract with an overwhelming 96.6 approval vote. 

Highline College was officially denied reconsideration to continue their Title III funding from the Department of Education, effectively ending the school’s federal Title III grant, jeopardizing funding for multiple college support services.

Right before the start fall quarter, Highline was notified by the Department of Education (DOE) about the non-continuation of Highline’s Title III Strengthening Institutions (SIP) grant, ending the grant funding a year early.

Marking the fourth day of ThunderWeek, Highline’s Center for Leadership and Service along with the Center for Cultural and Inclusive Excellence hosted the Clubs’ Fair last week on the first floor of Building 8 to a sizable turnout. 

The event ran from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There were a total of around 24 clubs in attendance with their large colorful displays – covering the wide range of hobbies, interests, and communities among the students at Highline.

If you are a new, or returning student, welcome to a brand new fall quarter – and the start of a new school year!

Highline has already got a calendar chock-full of exciting events for students to attend. The intention to hopefully relieve some of the stress of the new quarter and have some fun. 

The ThunderWord is entering the 2025-2026 academic school year with an unprecedented student editorial team. This group of senior reporters and editors will be your leadership behind the scenes. 

As a team, these editors have established their values and missions of The ThunderWord. Their goal is to focus on journalistic integrity, mutual respect, and personal growth. Following an award-winning year, these students look forward to the privilege of bringing Highline and the greater community the news.

Summer quarter has reached its end and Highline faculty and students take a five week break before classes resume on Sept. 22 for fall quarter.

Registration remains open, as does the Advising Center in Building 6. As finals conclude, grades should be available by Aug. 20.

Contract negotiations between classified staff and Highline College have reached an unpopular sticking-point.

WPEA President Amanda Hacker was informed last Monday that Highline would no longer participate in bargaining, instead sending contract negotiations to the Office of Financial Management (OFM), the legislative office that oversees union contracts. 

The following letter was written by the President of the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA), Amanda Hacker. In it, Hacker outlines what has transpired between WPEA and Highline College.

I’m writing to give you a full and transparent account of what has happened regarding the lump sum payment that you were promised in July – and to explain why WPEA is both disappointed and deeply frustrated by how Highline College has handled this situation.

Highline international students were invited to the Marine Science and Technology Center (MaST) for the “Summer Refresh Retreat”. These 11 students were given a reprieve from the isolation that can surface during the summer months.

In partnership with the Public Speaking Center (PSC), the Counseling Center, and the MaST, faculty is looking to create a new space for international students.

TRIO, a long-standing federal college access program, has come under fire at the White House, with Department of Education (DOE) Secretary Linda McMahon and President Donald Trump requesting the complete elimination of the program.

TRIO scholars, advisors, and directors across the country are calling on peers to preserve it.

A picket line erupted earlier this week on Highline’s campus, organized by Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA) members across Highline staff. Nearly two dozen people showed up to show support for equal pay. 

For the past year and a half, WPEA, a labor union for state workers, has been in a slow-moving, locked argument with Washington’s Office of Financial Management (OFM) over contract negotiations – specifically, cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs).

During their “Chill & Chat” event the Public Speaking Center (PSC) introduced their updated space to campus students, and displayed this core value of their work during the day’s events. “Everyone, without exception, has something important to say,” reflected the PSC director, Professor Amy Rider King. 

For the PSC’s limited summer hours, they hope to attain lofty goals. They are looking to engage with all of Highline, and broaden communication comfortability.

Highline’s 57th Arcturus launch party was an incredibly talented showing. Students from diverse backgrounds shared their amazing stories, poems, videos, music, and more.

The Arcturus is a student-led editorial magazine that puts together submissions from students on and off campus into one artful magazine. This student art exhibition celebrated its 57th edition in 2025. Of course it wasn’t an easy experience for those who submitted.

Summer quarter has arrived, and for the first time in recent history, the ThunderWord is staying open to keep campus connected.

During this condensed quarter, our limited operations will include briefs and recaps on campus events, our continuing coverage of Highline’s MaST Center, and periodic updates on local and national news. 

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.

Do you love theatre, watching musicals, listening to musical soundtracks, and discovering new shows? If so, then one of Highline’s newest clubs might be just the club for you! On Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m., in Building 7, the Drama Club will be meeting weekly starting June 10. 

Drama Club is a space for students at Highline to socialize and discuss musicals, plays, and any other theatre-related activities that interest them.

After 15 years, the partnership between Highline College and Akin has come to a close. The childcare center, located on the south side of campus, will be closing the doors at the end of August.

The center has been used by the community for childcare as well as educational purposes for students in education and nursing. 

Everyday at Highline, students and faculty of virtually every background work side-by-side, each benefitting from one another’s own character and sacrifice.

Each student eventually finds themself at one of the many spots on campus marked with the US and POW MIA flag, maybe feeling the shade pass over them, and often not registering the full meaning behind what it represents.

Last week, Highline college hosted their Pink Prom with drag performances by Delyla Dalyte, Caesar Hart, and Tyra.

Building 8 served as a beacon of inclusivity, with stickers, bracelets, buttons, and flashing giveaways at the entrance for everyone to find a representation of identity to wear.

Highline’s Got Talent was able to bring people together to witness the contestants’ array of talents. Students, faculty, and even family members, showcased individual skills and abilities and showed off their passions in a celebratory environment to their community.

Talent shows are timeless, and Highline’s display of skills took place on Thursday, May 8 in Building 7 which provided the stage for students to express themselves. Even though the show has started off a little rocky due to the technical issues, everyone was still able to enjoy the show of talent that Highline brought to its audience.

Building 7 was the beating heart of campus one week ago, as the students and faculty who make up Highline’s Achieve Program embodied the tenets of accessibility, diversity, and self-acceptance, further highlighting the importance of Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) Day at collegiate institutions nationwide.

In fact, IPSE Day was the perfect opportunity for the crackling conversations between the audience and the student panel arranged by Communication Studies Instructor Amy Rider King, and monitored by Director of Accessibility Resources Julie Pollard and Associate Dean of Accessibility Resources Jenni Sandler.

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.

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.

Highline welcomes back Dr. Rolita Ezeonu as Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs after the termination of Dr. Emily Lardner last quarter. Dr. Ezeonu has served as Interim VPAA in the past, from April 2017 to June 2018, before spending the past several years at Green River Community College as the Vice President of Instruction.

“Coming back now feels like a full-circle moment, an opportunity to rejoin a community that aligns with my values and am ready to contribute and be of service during a meaningful time in Highline’s journey,” Dr. Ezeonu said.

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.

Since the beginning of this year, 300 student visas have been revoked by the current executive administration. This may lead to many visa bearing students asking what protections they have on and off campuses.  

Mahmoud Khalil, Rumeysa Ozturk and Alireza Doroudi – if you’re a student on an F-1 or J-1 visa these names might be uncomfortably familiar to you. Without prior official notification, or request to appear before a judge, these students were detained by government officials.

Este trimestre estamos en el cambio de temporada donde las flores están floreciendo, nuevos animalitos saliendo a explorar. 

En este trimestre de primavera, tenemos una variedad de  programas que  se están ofreciendo para  ayudar a los nuevos estudiantes de diferente identidad. 

El primer  grupo es el programa de Trio que ofrece programas para ayudar a los estudiantes latinos o diferentes etnias a tener un año escolar más tranquilo, antes de graduarse en junio.

Highline’s Global Program hosted an event to welcome all international students to the campus in hopes to connect them with other international and domestic students through games.

The Global Program allows students to immerse themselves in global learning opportunities, attend campus events, make connections with students, and connect with advisers to explore exciting careers in international development and diplomacy.

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.

In wanting to create a welcoming community where students and staff could learn more about Ramadan practices and the significance of it, the Global Student Ambassador (GSA) members planned an event where you could do that, and more – like learning about Islamic art, culture, and charity, all while creating strong relations with people from diverse backgrounds.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered to be one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims. During Ramadan, Muslims show respect to the revelation of the Qur’an.

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.

Highline students flocked to the Global Student Ambassadors’ (GSA) “Arts Around the World” event last month to celebrate traditional arts and crafts from various cultures. The GSA organized the activities with the hope of fostering relationships across cultural boundaries within the four hour event.

Jeffery Kunick, who is the supervising organizer of the event, elaborates further on this shared goal of the organization. “One of our missions here as a global student ambassador is to bring international and domestic students together.”

With all the commotion that came from the Biden administration’s efforts toward student loan forgiveness, a certain question has to be answered: Why do we pay for college? Well, for starters, we pay because it’s not free like public schooling. Primary schools are free because they’re funded by taxes and the state (technically).

Theoretically, you do pay for primary school, just not directly. There’s a basic education fund for every student, then schools can also ask for grants for specific programs, like Drama Club. Then, of course, there are levies, which are like grants, but they’re paid for by the communities around the school.

For the past three years, The Hub, a higher education center located in Federal Way, Wash., has attempted to bridge educational gaps by supporting Highline students, running start students through Federal Way Public schools, as well as working adults looking for continuing education. 

“Through a partnership with Highline College, the University of Washington Tacoma, the City of Federal Way and Federal Way Public Schools, The Hub provides access to post-secondary and adult education to the Federal Way community,” states The Hub’s website.

Highline, in partnership with Shirlyn Mwangi and the Akin’s Family Foundation, held a teddy bear event to raise awareness and donations for children living in harsh conditions, such as dysfunctional families and poverty. 

They hoped to show appreciation for the children of our community and bring awareness to the major situations that children in America are likely to suffer from and tell about what impact it has on them from childhood all the way to adulthood.

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.

To kick off a new peer mentorship program, the lead advisor and a few members held an event “Espresso Yourself: Meet Your Mentor” to help other students connect with each other and connect with a group of mentors who were able to answer questions and help the mentors network with students.

As a way to introduce the peer mentorship program, the event’s main goal was to bring students and mentors together while also building a community, with the students being able to connect to the mentors and have long conversations.

Accessible, affordable, and free—these were the key themes championed by the Washington Community and Technical College Students Association (WACTSA) during the 2025 Legislative Advocacy Day in Olympia, Wash.

Working to address the needs and concerns of two-year college students, The Washington Community and Technical College Student Association, which includes Highline College as a member, is a coalition of student governments from across the state who work to advocate with a collective voice.

The “Arcturus”, a student published literary magazine, put out their calls last week for the 2025 edition, opening the doors for writers, poets, visual artists, and creators to submit their works for this year’s publication, the 57th edition of the award-winning literary magazine. 

Instructor Jamie Wilson invites everyone on campus, whether student, staff, faculty, and alumni to share fiction or nonfiction stories, poems, and visual art in “an award winning journal that celebrates the diverse voices and talents of our Highline community.”

Over the past week, many schools have closed their doors due to snowy weather conditions.

Most of the schools in the area, such as our very own Highline College, Green River Community College, and Pacific Lutheran University, experienced delays throughout the week as a result of the snow, with cancelled classes or classes starting around two or more hours later than usual.

The combination of full time work and study is a reality for so many students, and maintaining performance can seem impossible. Some may think that you’ve got to choose between self-care and success, but the science may show something more promising: perhaps prioritizing mental health is the secret of mastering work and study.

Self-care has become a somewhat ubiquitous term, often vaguely referring to face masks and spa treatments, but actually applying it highlights the secret weapon that every student should already have in their arsenal: time management.

To celebrate Tết, the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) and Global Student Ambassadors (GSA) hosted an event where you could enjoy delicious Vietnamese food, play fun games and activities with your friends, get mystery gifts, and take fun pictures in a photo booth.

Tết is the commonly used name of the Vietnamese New Year but it originally came from Tết Nguyên Đán, which means “Festival of the First Morning of the First Day.” Tết has also been called the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year.

Highline’s sports Pavilion is dimly lit at night casting shadows of insecurity about the safety of attending games after dark. Mapped as Building 28, you could almost forget it exists, sitting in the far corner of the staff parking lot.

If you are going there from campus, access resides under the Library cliff,  a steep drop or a long flight of stairs with low lighting, leaving one to wonder how safe it is to attend evening events.

As students return to Highline for the winter quarter, they may notice some construction zones on campus. While these projects might cause temporary disruptions, they are part of a larger plan to enhance campus infrastructure and improve facilities for years to come.

From updating aging storm and sewer lines to adding new security features, these efforts are designed to keep the campus running smoothly and safely.

The Discovery Fair is one of the events during ThunderWeek that helps students discover campus resources available to them as well as student clubs.

ThunderWeek is a week of programs held by Center for Leadership and Service (CLS) and the Center for Cultural and Inclusive Excellence (CCIE). Its main goal is to welcome Highline students to the campus.

As Highline opens up its doors to 2025, its students are primed to take on the next chapter of their education with the kind of vigor you’d normally find with elite sports teams or characters from the Avengers.

Superheroes are not the only ones with academic, social, and personal excellence, however; for that, you don’t have to look further than Highline’s own campus.

The Highline College Wellness Center, a hidden resource available on the first floor in the biology building (Building 26), offers a wonderful space for exercise, to de-stress, and connect with other members of the community. 

The Wellness Center offers a wide variety of equipment and hours, providing the Highline College community with a dedicated space to improve cardiovascular health, muscular strength and endurance, body composition, and flexibility.

As we wrap up Highline’s fall quarter of 2024, the Thunderword would like to take a few steps back to highlight the memories made, events attended, and wonderful community the campus has fostered. 

As fall brought in its crisp breeze and cooler temperatures, Highline College brought along some special events and info-packed activities.

With the end of the 2024 fall quarter, the Thunderword staff wishes to say happy holidays until next quarter!

Finals week will take place beginning Tuesday, Dec. 10, with grades available the next Wednesday, Dec. 18. The winter quarter will begin on Jan. 6.

Highline held a Holiday Market, in the Student Union, filled with over two dozen independent vendors offering a variety of unique merchandise including stationary, perfect little handmade gifts, and distinct art.

One of the purposes/goals of the Holiday Market, held Dec. 2, was to introduce attendees to different Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) owned shops.

The Running Start Club collaborated with the College Success Foundation for a Friendsgiving celebration last week on Highline’s campus. In Building 2 students gathered for good food, fun games, and great memories. 

“I think friendsgiving was a big success and I was so happy to see so many people attend, and be able to meet and connect with new people,” said President Gio Russo from the Running Start Club.

In celebration of first generation day, TRiO held an event to reach out to first generation students, giving them a space to hangout and learn about resources that could help them during their first time in college.

First generation day is when you celebrate students, staff, and faculty who are the first in their family to pursue a four year undergraduate degree in the U.S.

For bilingual students, college presents a unique set of challenges as they juggle academic demands while navigating the complexities of using multiple languages in both coursework and social life.

College can be tough for anyone, but for bilingual students, the experience can come with some unique challenges. While being fluent in two or more languages is definitely an asset, it doesn’t always make college life easier.

One of the biggest struggles for bilingual students is adjusting to the academic language used in higher education.

Okay, let’s be real, college can be a lot. College can feel like a whirlwind of lectures, deadlines, and social events, but with the right strategies, you can take control of the chaos and actually enjoy the ride. 

Between all the classes, assignments, extracurricular activities, and maybe even a part-time job, it can feel like there’s never enough time in the day. But don’t worry, it is possible to stay on top of everything and actually enjoy college without falling behind. Even a few effective study hacks can really help manage the workload, so here are some tips for you to try.

Are you interested in data science? Wondering where the data comes from and how it’s compiled. Are you fascinated by AI and wonder how it works? You can get all these questions answered in the new class Highline college is offering this winter. 

Introducing a new computer science class being offered called CSCI 180: Introduction to data science.

Last week for Halloween, Highline College hosted the Witches’ Night Out party, where students participated in games, contests, arts and crafts, and a costume contest with the chance to win all sorts of prizes.

Food and drinks were set up throughout Building 8 for attendees. With doors opening that evening, guests were welcomed by haunting Halloween themes.

With fresh leadership and a shared passion for community, the new Running Start Club’s recent meeting sparked a thrilling vision for an impactful and inclusive year ahead.

A key theme that emerged during the recent meeting was the need for the club to serve as a supportive community, particularly for first-generation students navigating the challenges of college.

Last week, Highline College held an event, titled “Love Shouldn’t Hurt”, to bring awareness to domestic abuse and violence.

The event focused on how to determine which is which, what the warning signs are, and how to get help if you are involved in a situation that resembles one of abuse. Participants shared their stories and opinions, generating a powerful discussion about the topic.

Adults across America have had their lives affected by stress, and not in a positive way. Stress increases the risk of illness and even premature death, and an article by PubMed Central (PMC) dives deeper into this topic.

PMC conducted a study and discovered that 33.7% of adults in the U.S. (out of nearly 186 million) have reported that stress has impacted their health to some extent, and out of those who reported this stress, 43% had an increased risk of premature death.

Highline offers numerous avenues to get involved on campus, but there may be no better way to make new friends and bond with others over shared interests than by joining a club. Whether you like sports, reading, games, or anime, the college’s vast number of clubs definitely has something you might enjoy.

Last week, the Thunderword covered only a portion of the opportunities for involvement on campus. Whether you like to move, converse, or curl up with a book, here are some more clubs we’d like to highlight.

Highline offers numerous avenues to get involved on campus, but there may be no better way to make new friends and bond with others over shared interests than by joining a club. Whether you like sports, reading, games, or anime, the college’s vast number of clubs definitely has something you might enjoy.

Do you find yourself wandering around campus after class with a lot of free time, looking to make more friends? Then all you have to do is head right into Building 8 and find out what club might be the best fit for you.

Highline College opens doors to motivated high school students through its Running Start program. While this opportunity to get a start on a college degree while completing the requirements for high school graduation can set students ahead, it doesn’t come without its challenges for high schoolers turned college students.

 “Running Start is a dual credit program in Washington State that allows high school juniors and seniors to take college courses,” according to the Highline running start website. “Students earn both high school and college credit for courses completed.”

The Highline College Bookstore, located on the top floor of Building 8, is a one-stop shop for supplies, merchandise, on-the-go snacks, and of course, books for all of your classes.

Entering the Student Union building one of the first things you’ll notice is the large sign that draws your attention to the Highline College Bookstore, where students are coming in and out with supplies or merchandise that they need for classes or personal use.

Highline College welcomes all new and returning students back this autumn season for its 2024 fall quarter!

As with every season at Highline, the campus is brimming with events, resources, clubs, and sports to appeal to anyone curious about trying something new, something different, or in search of a community over something you love.

Arcturus, Highline College’s renowned publication, launched its much-anticipated 56th issue.

To celebrate the June 5 release, attendees shared food, refreshments, and a free copy of the latest Arcturus issue. The diverse array of contributors shared their works and the inspirations and processes behind them, even opening up time towards the end of the event for an open mic, allowing everyone to take part in the creativity.

This issue’s theme “After Image” explores the concept of the image that remains even after the original is no longer visible. It is the lingering picture when one looks away after exposure to a bright image. Contributors have captured this effect through prose, poetry, and visual art, probing into the lasting echoes of both big and small incidents.

If you’re like most college students, the weight of academic stress might be overwhelmingly all too familiar. When stress and anxiety begin to form due to the nagging need to meet both school and personal expectations, self-control and precision might be something you immediately fall back on.

Maybe you’re in the midst of figuring out how to pay for school, filling out internship applications, or simply feeling the anticipation of finals. It’s only natural to resort to a routine that ensures your ability to get things done. And, although this can combat the daunting feelings that arise from uncertainty, it can also add onto initial worry or stress.

The Pink Prom hosted by the LGBTQIA+ Task Force, Q Center, Center for Cultural and Inclusive Excellence, and the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Transformation consisted of a live DJ, pizza, cake, an assortment of flashing party favors, and performances by drag queens and kings. 

Held in the student union in Building 8 on May 24, tables were set out with bright flowers serving as the centerpieces. The majority of the bottom floor was set aside for a lively dance floor, with DJ Mike Baskett playing classic hits from artists like Madonna or remixes of the most popular songs of the 2020s.

The event had all the makings of a classic high school prom, something many of the attendees did not receive given the COVID-19 pandemic taking place during many people’s last years of high school. 

As Highline students made their way around campus this past week, many may have noticed the scores of American flags placed on the grass next to Building 8, each meticulously lined up in neat rows in order to honor Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is a landmark American holiday meant to remind us of those who died while serving their country in the U.S. military. It wasn’t until 1971 that the last Monday in May became a federal holiday, after congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968.

This federal holiday includes observation for the longest war the U.S. has been involved in from 2001 to 2021. This day is not just for having a day off from school or work. It’s for commemorating the veterans that did not get to come back home and hang up their uniform.

The familiarly used term FOMO is an acronym that stands for: fear of missing out. Popularized as a widely known term in 2004, FOMO is perhaps the best description for the ever tiring pursuit of a fulfilling life. As Generation Z, individuals born between the years 1997 and 2012 enter college and the workforce, FOMO can be both a motivator as well as a debilitating factor.

The slanginess of the term FOMO makes it difficult to take seriously in introspective or philosophical conversations, but it’s an effective description for the pressure young adults have to live up to their potential.

Highline College’s annual Global Fest, a cornerstone of the college’s 27th Annual Unity Through Diversity Series was a vibrant tapestry of cultures, showcasing the rich diversity of our world.

Hosted by the dynamic trio of Global Student Ambassadors, Muna Ali, Barok Yohannes Hailegiorgis, and Laiza Lim, the May 14 event attracted a large and enthusiastic crowd.

The stage came alive with an electrifying lineup of performances that captivated the audience. The powerful rhythms of Taiko drums set the tone, followed by the mesmerizing Oaxacan dances by Grupo Cultural Donaji. Eva Engelhard and Garvaundo Hamilton’s soulful singing

Rising college tuition and student loans are causing financial problems and economic risks. It’s a growing crisis that we must address for the sake of individuals, communities, and our economy as a whole.

The government has a key role to play. It should regulate colleges to ensure tuition hikes are justified by improvements in education quality. And crucially, it must take action to decrease student loan interest rates to alleviate the burden on students. This is especially important given that total student loan debt now exceeds $1.7 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve.

From the moment students wake up to the time they go to bed, music often plays a crucial role in their daily lives. Whether it’s the perfect playlist to help focus during a study session or a comforting song to heal a broken heart, music has the power to influence moods, productivity, and overall well-being.

Natalie Kim, a Highline College student, told the Thunderword about the role of music as a crucial part of her study routine.

Young generations are increasingly becoming more aware of global issues and concerned with the impacts of climate change. As this burden has practically been put into their hands to deal with, Gen Z continues to tackle the topic head on – but at what cost?

Whether it’s the noticeable long-term shifts in temperature or sporadic weather changes, most teens have a general understanding of what’s currently happening to the planet. While the changing climate is projected to continue this century and beyond, Gen Z shares a common characteristic of wanting to help the environment.

Part Five: The Path Forward

In part four the author grappled with the insidious thoughts and fears that threatened to undermine their progress. Through a combination of self-reflection, determination, and the support of others, they began to challenge these negative beliefs and embrace the idea that their struggles do not define their worth as a person.

Laura Manning has taught at Highline since the spring of 2000, and that length of service hardly does proper credit to the sheer impact she has had both in and beyond our campus. The end of this spring quarter marks the start of her retirement and following journey to Oklahoma, but students and faculty have found it difficult to let her go without showing exactly how much she means to our community.

The Thunderword sat down with Manning and reminisced about past challenges, lessons learned, and the core aspects of teaching that kept her coming back year after year, giving her all to students and faculty alike.