Community is a key value. It is brought up in almost every speech, every assembly and every conversation about the school’s morals. Community includes many aspects of life, such as friends and family, as well as people with common connections to religions or cultural backgrounds. Within the community, there are often cultural events which are intended to open people’s minds and allow them to support their peers. However, these events are seldom participated in. Many events that student cultural clubs hold are lacking the participation needed to create enough awareness around the topic.
There are many opportunities to learn more about other cultures and support peers. Often, affinity groups host events for students to learn and enjoy. Too often these invitations are synonymous with “free food.” While showing up for food is a great way to get involved, it shouldn’t be the only motivation. These events allow for others to appreciate different culture’s traditions and try it out for themselves. Visiting one of these events, such as the Diwali or Lunar New Year events hosted by the Asian Student Affinity (ASA), might even increase knowledge about friends. To live the value of community, one must attend these events using the time given.
Low turnout to these events may be due to the fact that doing homework and studying for exams can prevent students from taking the time to engage and attend these events. For example, the Rosh Hashanah celebration normally has very low turnout and since this time the German exchange students were invited, students had a reason not to experience the culture but to meet the exchange students.
The fault of not supporting the community does not lie solely with students, but also with teachers. Many holidays including Rosh Hashanah, Cinco de Mayo, Iftar and Lunar New Year celebrations are no-homework days. The goal of this is so students who celebrate are able to fully attend to their traditions without lagging behind others. However, what constitutes a no homework day is unclear. The two misconceptions of a no homework day is either no homework can be due on the day of the holiday or no homework assigned across that day, of which work would be done on the “no homework day.” Teachers must abide by these rules and make it clear that a no homework day means no homework can be assigned through that day. That way students won’t hesitate to attend these events.
If the concept of no homework days for cultural and religious holidays is more clear, student turnout for community events will not be hindered by the excessive load of homework and worry about being behind on assignments. Once these days are made clearer, students must take initiative to participate. Turnout and support for fellow peers would increase and the value of community would be exemplified by these wonderful events.
