In a state shaped by immigration, multiculturalism provides a chance for students to learn and grow. The Office of Intercultural and Global Student Engagement (IGSE) at North Lake Campus showcased the richness of cultural diversity through activities like drawing and dancing, encouraging students to participate actively at the Intercultural Open House held Sept. 2.
Decorations immersed students in autumn colors with symbols of prosperity and good fortune emblazoned on lanterns. The performers’ costumes sparked curiosity about an unfamiliar culture—China, the guest country. If lanterns serve as a guiding light for the future, illuminating new opportunities and growth, the lion dance “generates good luck and removes all bad omen,” according to John Tao, one of the performers.
Camilo Ramos, a theater major and tech specialist at North Lake tried the Lion dance and emphasized the importance of understanding other cultures.
“I feel like that’s something beautiful,” Ramos said. “Just cultures are the language that each country speaks. So, getting to know someone’s culture is getting to know their language.”
Ramos also said he believed the event is valuable for students, as it reflects the cultures of the student body.
According to Sean Guinyard, Intercultural Center coordinator, the activity is “a soft skill.” “When students leave here, they’re often looking to get a job, but if they are not aligning, or they don’t understand how to navigate culture and the importance of intercultural skills, they’ll miss those great opportunities that are out there for them,” Guinyard said.
Moreover, the Intercultural and Global Student Engagement program involves students, especially international students, in its key initiatives. The signature programs, which include Courageous Conversations, culture immersion trips, intercultural career days, and cultural celebrations, help students enhance their resumes.
“So, we have conversations in a safe space for students to come in and ask questions, learn a little bit more about different cultures, backgrounds, and identities,” Guinyard said. “We put together culture immersion trips. Some students haven’t left the Dallas area code. So, it gives some of those students an opportunity to come in and explore the DFW. At a larger scale, we sometimes leave the DFW so that students can immerse themselves in a cultural experience.”
According to Olivia Salinas, the global student engagement coordinator at El Centro Campus, the Global Leaders Gateway Program is a new initiative at Dallas College designed to offer students leadership and professional development opportunities through a variety of events, conferences and activities. The program is exclusive to students and involves a cohort of participants through the portal DallasCollege.edu/GlobalLeaders.
“Once you fill out the interest form, we will reach out to you with information about orientation,” said Salinas.
At North Lake, students can meet Sean Guinyard, the coordinator of Intercultural and Global Student Engagement (IGSE), at A418 for more information or to discuss any concerns.
