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.

The Thunderword’s own Evelyn Rissell sits down with your favorite collegiate podcast duo and recounts her exclusive interview with the MaST Center’s Rus Higley.

We talk about book reviews, whale skeletons, National Poetry Month, and exciting upcoming projects in the works!

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.

Mavrie Durham and Liv Lyons are back again with everything happening on campus for your convenience! At just 15 minutes, they have the latest for your commute to class, break in between classes, or over the morning coffee. 

This episode is all about the oncoming end to winter quarter. With only three weeks left, spring break is coming on fast. The team is excited to share all the upcoming events students and staff are welcomed to.

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.

Mavrie Durham and Cam Lyons joined forces yet again to further improve their podcasting skills and gather all of the campus news you need in a convenient 20 minutes.

Available right here for all students, staff, faculty, and community members who want the inside scoop on some of the best goings on happening right under our noses.

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.

Welcome back from break Thunderbirds! With the new quarter here, we have a new way for you to get your information – on the go. 

Over the break two of our very own Thunderword student editors, Cam Lyons and Mavrie Durham, with the help of Faculty Advisor Kara Stuart, started a podcast, aptly named “the ThunderPod.”

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.

The Q Center recently held their third fashion show, in part to promote the Q Boutique, which is currently accepting donations of formal wear for the Pink Prom it will be hosting on May 24.

The event started out with Amy Rider King and Chino Gonzales, the cofounders of the Q Center group, introducing themselves and the Q Boutique.

Earth Week at Highline has officially kicked off this past Monday with a presentation by Isaac Kastama of Water Street Public Affairs at the Mt. Constance building and has been raging ever since. Speakers and presenters like our institution’s own Woody Moses (Biology) and Lonnie Somer (Anthropology).

Activities like a forest cleanup, an environmental resource fair, and bird watching compelled students and faculty alike to take a step back and appreciate our environment and, perhaps even more importantly, see the urgency in caring for it.

Diversity on a college campus is more than just a buzzword – it’s a fundamental aspect of creating a vibrant and inclusive academic community. Embracing diversity means recognizing and valuing the unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that each individual brings to the table. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and respected.

One of the key benefits of diversity on campus is the opportunity for students to learn from one another. When those from different backgrounds come together, they bring with them a wide range of ideas, beliefs, and experiences. This diversity of thought enriches classroom discussions, leading to deeper learning and a more well-rounded education.

The Running Start program offered at Highline can be a great opportunity for many students to get ahead in their education. But stepping into the college world as a high schooler is not without its downsides as these motivated junior scholars often have to face increased levels of stress and rigor.

Here at Highline there are Running Start students everywhere you look. Around every corner, you can find high schoolers participating in the program and often aiming to get their AA. “Running Start is dual credit program in Washington State that allows high school juniors and seniors to take college courses. Students earn both high school and college credit for courses completed,” states the Highline Running Start webpage.

One of the most powerful tools for building a successful career is networking. This comes to the chagrin of many college students, as the concept may come across as intimidating, mainly reserved for established professionals. The truth is that networking is more accessible than most may think.

In reality, college is the perfect time to start building those invaluable professional relationships by forming those connections with peers and leaders in your field and areas of interest.

These connections can open doors to opportunities, provide guidance and mentorship, and offer support during your academic and professional journey. While the benefits of networking are clear, how does one go about cultivating these relationships, especially during the college years?

As Highline College celebrates March as International Women’s HERstory Month, we find ourselves reflecting on the contributions of the remarkable female-identified employees who have dedicated decades of their lives to shaping our institution.

Their commitment, tireless efforts and leadership have left a mark on students, staff, and throughout the campus. We extend our deepest gratitude and love for these ladies!

Please join us in celebrating our Highline Women in Action.

Journaling stands as one of the best and most actionable mental health activities. The prospect is simple – get a pen and paper, then write anything that comes to mind. Though instead of events, wellness journaling focuses more on writing thoughts and emotions.

The practice is heavily favored amongst mental health practitioners and members of Highline’s counseling center. Studies on the subject see the benefits of journaling as “…both a more coherent and illuminating approach to investigate mindfulness.”

Highline College has been a bastion for passionate educators and leaders since 1961, and for the last 25 years, it has been fortunate enough to be home to Susan Rich. The Thunderword spoke with Rich this past week and discussed her tenure at Highline, her favorite moments at the Arcturus publication, and some highlights from her upcoming book, “Blue Atlas”.

Taking in the views on campus as her last quarter as Faculty Editor for “Arcturus” and creative writing teacher, Rich is now looking onward to her oncoming book tour with as much creative zeal as she did at the start of her career.

The Queer & Allies club is not new to Highline, but its name and president are.

Last quarter, it was known as the GSA, or the Genders and Sexualities Alliance, but it’s since changed in both name and leadership. Now known as Q & A, or Queer & Allies, the new club president is Highline student Duncan Dao.

Have you ever wondered how your favorite instructor gets tenured by the college? The Tenure Review Committee (TRC) is responsible for reviewing any faculty member up for tenure. This means they are granted many benefits including stronger job security until retirement.

The committee currently has eight members including two college administration officials, five faculty members from their respective divisions, and the Vice President of the Associated Students of Highline College. It is led this year by co-chairs Tracy Brigham and Razmehr Fardad from the Health Department and Pure and Applied Sciences Divisions, respectively.

In the age of connectivity, the influence of social media permeates every aspect of our lives, and for college-aged students, this impact is particularly profound. From shaping social interactions to influencing academic experiences, the role of social media is undeniable.

It is worth looking into the multi-faceted impact of social media on college students and exploring the nuances that it brings along with it. Social media platforms serve as virtual town squares, connecting college students in ways unimaginable a few decades ago. 

On both ends of Highline’s campus stands an option for student coffee. The Fireside Bistro, which has been open since fall 2021, in Building 8; and Ground to Tree Coffee, which just recently opened in fall 2023, in Building 29.

Now that the newest addition, Ground to Tree Coffee, has been operating for five months a check-in to see how each is serving students’ needs is in order. With both coffee shops now operating simultaneously, how well does each fare for students?

College life is often hailed as a transformative journey filled with new experiences, academic challenges, and personal growth. However, it’s essential to recognize that this period can also be mentally demanding.

Academia brings with it a whirlwind of expectations, deadlines, and social dynamics. The pressure to excel academically, participate in extracurricular activities, and build a social network can be overwhelming. Recognizing the challenges and acknowledging the importance of mental health is the first step toward a more balanced life.

Around 140 of Highline’s students and staff gathered to celebrate this year’s Lunar New Year in the Building 8 Mt. Constance room this past Thursday. The festivities, meant to educate about the rich history of this holiday and to celebrate with the community, was hosted by Highline’s Global Student Ambassadors and the Inter-Cultural Center.

“The goal of this event was to assist students in comprehending the history of Lunar New Year and the many ways that people throughout the globe celebrate it,” said Linh Nguyen, one of the hosts of the event. “Through this we also desired to have students who must leave their homes in order to attend school during this time feel more connected and at ease in the event.”

When it comes to student leadership, the Associated Students of Highline College (ASHC) has represented the multiracial, multicultural, and multigenerational student body for many years. They do so through connecting students with various leadership opportunities and advocating for solutions to the biggest issues that students face, like textbook affordability.

President DeVoni Young, Vice President Clara Swart, and Speaker of the Caucus Kimberly Wangari are charged with the task of ensuring all students have a say in the decisions that will impact their future.

Last time the Thunderword checked in with Highline College’s own Veterans Services Office, Kendall Evans, who is at the helm, was eagerly awaiting a new and improved room for student veterans to congregate at their leisure. Well, that day has come!

Evans and his student veteran staff want to spread the word that Building 23, room 111, boasts free coffee, snacks, a TV, and computers for those wanting to get ahead in class while they take a load off.

With increasing numbers of English language learners (ELLs) in schools, teachers require proper training to effectively educate this diverse population. There are several common certification types for instructing ELLs, including English as a second language (ESL) and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL).

ESL focuses on teaching English to nonnative speakers living in an English-speaking country, as ESL teacher Tom Brock explains, “Teaching ESL allows me to help others adapt to living in an English-speaking country while sharing knowledge about my own culture too. It’s incredibly rewarding.” 

As graduation approaches, Highline students find themselves at the threshold of a new chapter that requires job marketing. Navigating this transition between school and the career world requires careful consideration and strategic planning.

By reflecting on your skills, interests, and passions you can pinpoint potential career paths. Additionally, you can research industries with high demand for professionals in your field, attend career fairs, networking events, and workshops to gain industry insights.

February is a time where Black history is honored and represented all over the United States. People from all walks of life continue to honor the titans that fought for equality during Black History Month. 

As part of Highline’s celebration and recognition of Black History Month, this past Thursday the college hosted renowned speaker and academic Dr. A.K. Sterling. Dr. Sterling visited the Umoja Village in Building 25 and gave a presentation about his story and how it connects with the overall theme of how we can continue to shape history. 

The Q Center and the Q Boutique have come together to put on their second seasonal fashion show for the Highline community. The Q team hosted the inaugural seasonal event this past fall. These fashion shows spend the evening showcasing the clothing in the Q Boutique.

The Q Boutique, which is located behind the stage of Building 4, room 122, is a donation based program that allows LGBTQIA+ students a way to obtain gender affirming clothing at no expense. “It’s really about standing up for LGBTQIA+ inclusion and belonging and thriving a Highline,” said Amy Rider, an Academic Success faculty member who opened the show alongside Chino Gonzales.

In the dynamic landscape of education and business alike, the importance of effective marketing cannot be overstated. By exploring the high value of marketing and the effects it has on people’s decisions, it is clear there is a profound impact on Highline College students and the broader community. 

From fostering student engagement to shaping community dynamics, marketing plays an important role in connecting, informing, and empowering all students at Highline. In today’s society marketing serves as the bridge that connects students to the diverse opportunities available at Highline and within our community.

Note-taking on paper is a tradition that has stuck with us since the medium’s invention. Despite the tech world’s attempts to overthrow it, paper notes are still the default for many students and professors alike. However, these attempts to reinvent the way we take notes aren’t in vain as digital platforms become more efficient, more powerful, and easier to use.

Over the past decade, every service required by students – from textbooks and assignments to meetings – has moved to fully digital mediums. Paper notes are still standing despite this, but is it only a matter of time until everyone’s typing them out?

For busy college students, there may be no greater skill necessary than time management. The ability to juggle all of the stressors associated with school, often work, and personal lives can be a challenge, even for the most seasoned students.

A lot of college students are able to manage their time in college because they have balance and they are able to work ahead. For some students it’s not easy to have time management skills, especially when they are loaded with school and work, which could result in late class assignments due to this mismanagement.

Teens’ mental health in free fall signals need to reimagine outdated systems where alarming statistics point to a need for change.

According to Gallup, an alarming 1-in-10 students now feel actively discouraged at school. Recent Pew surveys reveal over 70% of teenagers see anxiety and depression as major issues amongst peers – contributing to deteriorating academic outcomes including high absenteeism and lower test scores.

“I hate going to school. I just feel so sad and helpless,” says 17-year-old Rosa R. after a recent panic attack forced her to leave class. Like a growing population of stressed-out students, she feels the education system itself fuels her anxiety instead of helping her thrive.

Welcome to Highline Highlights, where we at the Thunderword get to sit down with one of countless students who make up our incredible campus community! This time, we sat down with Sergio Martin Acuña Carrillo, and asked him five questions to really get to know him!

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.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Highline College offers personalized, confidential advising and coaching to support local businesses in South King County.

The SBDC assists in securing investment capital, creating jobs, and increasing business revenue for startup businesses that want to bring their ideas to life. They also help established business owners to market their business and bring in more cash flow.

The Academic Success Centers (ASC) are perhaps the broadest resources on campus for students who need help in any course. Math, writing, speech, and a swath of other subjects are covered in depth and student tutors are standing by to make sense of some of the biggest challenges that college has to offer.

Once you pass through the library doors at Building 25, and take the elevator to the sixth floor, you can consider yourself in good hands. As the doors open, you will find a fully-staffed welcome desk that can point you in the right direction.