Monthly Archives: November 2021

ISP Students Enjoy Tradition of Pumpkin Carving

International Student Pumpkin CarvingThe International Student Program (ISP) provided its students an opportunity to socialize and learn about yet another American tradition – Pumpkin Carving! For many, this was their first time participating in the pumpkin carving tradition. Lynn Kyaw, an international student who had never carved a pumpkin before, said, “it was very very cool.”

There was a lot of socialization. Lynn had become friends with some of his group members in class but never met them in person. Mowen Tan, another international student, got to work with all new people. She called the event, “a good way to meet some new friends.” There was a surprise visit of Skyline College President, Dr. Melissa Moreno, too!

In the end, both students would do it again. Lynn is especially enthusiastic. After seeing ISP staff in their costumes, he thinks that if there is a similar event next year, the students “need to plan for the costumes… I plan to wear [a] Black Panther Costume.” He also plans on getting photographs.

 

Article by Evelyn Rossi

Photo by Chikako Walker

Real Conversations in Real Time: The Human Library Offers Authentic Connections across the Globe

Human Library ConversationsOn November 2, the Human Library welcomed staff, students, and faculty who had signed up to share and listen to personal stories as part of an international movement to “unjudge.” This was a virtual event organized by the Skyline College Library to challenge stereotypes and prejudice through dialog. 

The session included the return of two “human book” volunteers who had previously shared their stories with readers, An Intentional Tumbleweed…the Power of Surrendering to Organic Connection and Transformation, and Legend of Latin Rock’s Rise from Darkness into the Light. Four “new” human books: Flying 101: How my first time on a plane took me to the other side of the world; How being a quitter has made me a success; No such thing as wasted learning; and Play the tape joined the Human Library event and shared their stories for the first time.

Like humans themselves, every Human Library event is different, and the flavor of this session was unexpectedly international. With two international participants having found the event listing on Facebook, and many event attendees being multilingual, zoom conversations crossed the oceans via English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian.

While “readers” had reserved all sixteen conversation spots in advance, there was some flexibility in the schedule which gave the opportunity for a special drop-in visit by the Skyline College President Dr. Melissa Moreno, who was especially moved by the poignant story, Play the Tape

Students and human books alike reported “rich” and “moving” experiences from their new connections. One student reader described his takeaway this way: “That if I’m courageous enough to reach out to people I don’t know, I gain an understanding which makes me less prone to judge them, possibly erroneously,” adding, “I learned that I must overcome my introverted tendency because great experiences like these are within reach if I do.”

Another shared, “I loved both books. How being a quitter has made me a success gave me insights as a 22-year-old, trying to figure out life. Play the tape made me think about my family overseas and really value the time together when we can.”

Human books also reported gratifying experiences. One remarked they had enjoyed “All of it! Just sharing my experiences and learning how people whom I didn’t know before would be so interested to hear my stories!” 

You can find the complete archive of human books here. If you missed the Human Library this month, you’ll have an opportunity to participate in Spring 2022, even if you’ve graduated or are not enrolled. 

Would you like to share your story as a human book in the future? Have other questions? Please contact Pia Walawalkar <walawalkars@smccd.edu>.

More information on the Human Library, a worldwide movement for social change, can be found at here: www.humanlibrary.org. The Human Library at Skyline College is supported by a President’s Innovation Fund (PIF) award.

Article by Jessica Silver-Sharp

Job Opportunities

How may we assist you in landing your dream job? Whether you’re interested in short- or long-term career planning, the Career Readiness & Job Placement team offers a variety of services and career readiness experiences to assist you with your specific career needs. If you want to work with a Job Placement Coordinator, please fill out this brief welcome form and someone will contact you soon to schedule an appointment!

How may we assist you in landing your dream job? The Career Readiness & Job Placement team is excited to share the following job opportunities with you. Check them out—

Internship Opportunities

How may we assist you in landing your dream job? Whether you’re interested in short- or long-term career planning, the Career Readiness & Job Placement team offers a variety of services and career readiness experiences to assist you with your specific career needs. If you want to work with a Job Placement Coordinator, please fill out this brief welcome form and someone will contact you soon to schedule an appointment!

 Expand your network in ways that will lead to your dream job. The Career Readiness & Job Placement team is excited to share the following paid internship opportunities with you. Check them out—

 

Tis The Season Job Fair

The Career Readiness & Job Placement program is excited to host an in-person Job Fair! There will be a variety of Bay Area companies joining us and this will be a great opportunity for students to meet company representatives and explore open job and internship opportunities that are ready to hire now!

Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Building 6, Fireside Dining Room at Skyline College

 

ARE YOU RESUME READY? Get valuable feedback from the Career Readiness & Job Placement team by filling out the resume review form: bit.ly/SkyJobFair2021-Form

Are you an employer interested in attending? Contact the Career Readiness & Job Placement program at skycareers@smccd.edu or call (650) 738-4337.

Article by Renee Liang

Ceramics Students Participate in 2021 California Clay Conference

Clay ConferenceSkyline College ceramics students participated for the thirteenth year in the annual California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Art, from October 22nd to 23rd in Davis. This two-day conference draws ceramic art students from all over the region to put on a display of their colleges’ artwork, and to attend exhibitions by other colleges and universities from California. Each school is provided a space in downtown Davis to transform into a gallery for the weekend. There were also many wonderful lectures by professional artists that included slide presentations and clay demonstrations.

 

This year, Skyline’s exhibit space was adjacent to those of UC Davis, Delta College, and San Jose State University. Setting up the show took a full day on Thursday and included installing pedestals, arranging the artwork, and adding professional signage. Ceramics Professor Tiffany Schmierer selected functional pottery pieces as well as sculptures for the show from the Ceramics II and Glazing Techniques ceramics classes. Art Studio Lab Technician Ashley Asaro helped to curate the show and exhibited work as well. Participating students welcomed guests to our show and shared their inspirations and techniques. The large variety of school exhibitions presented an excellent opportunity for students to connect with potential transfer schools, their instructors, and fellow students.

 

Photo and article by Tiffany Schmierer, Professor of Art

BAEC Workshop Recap

BAEC WorkshopsThe Bay Area Entrepreneur Center held several events this past October which included, How to Use Zoom for your Business, Tax Law Updates 2021, Understanding your Business Cost, and

Personal Finance w/ Charles Kusuma. If you were not able to make it to these workshops you can find them on our YouTube page by searching Bay Area Entrepreneur Center. Our last two events before the holidays are coming up!

 

Reducing Your Business’ Carbon Footprint hosted by Gabrielle Hildebran:

November 9th at 4 PM

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/186290087667

 

How to Use Canva:

November 11th at 1 PM

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/170075531493

 

These will be the last workshops of the year. We hope that you are able to utilize these services. Feel free to check out our YouTube channel and follow us on IG and Facebook for more updates.

 

 

Article by Olivia Vialau

Model United Nations and Climate Ribbon Event

Model UNStudents, faculty, and staff engaged in a Model United Nations event on Wednesday October 27. They also created a #ClimateRibbon art project with help from Andrea Fuentes (CTTL) and Alvin Gubatina (Student Life and Leadership).

 

The Climate Ribbon Project is an arts ritual to grieve what each of us stands to lose to Climate Chaos and affirm solidarity as we unite to fight against it.  Folks create their own ribbon, tie it on the display and others can read and take to wear if they want.

 

Model UN (MUN) students spoke about climate change and social justice.  The Model UN discusses international relations, global politics, and practice parliamentary debate in the style of the United Nations and participates in conferences with other colleges.

 

The Model UN meets every Monday at 6 pm Building 6 (Room 214) with Faculty Advisor Timothy Rottenberg.  Please feel free to come see what it is all about.

Article by Andrea Fuentes

3rd Annual Skyline College Classified Senate Student Scholarship Drive

Scholarship DriveThe Classified Senate is excited to kick off its 3rd Annual Skyline College Classified Senate Student Scholarship Drive.

Last year, we exceeded our goal, thanks to your tremendous support and generosity! It has never been more critical to leverage the power of our campus community to further support our students through unprecedented times. The pandemic continues to drastically impact students’ financial stability and ability to earn income needed for their education.

Through this drive and our combined efforts, we hope to once more meet our goal of $2000 and continue to supporting students. 100% of the donations will be used to cover students’ tuition, fees, textbooks, course materials, and other educational related expenses; lessening the financial burden for students and that of their families.

During this year’s fundraising drive, we’re asking colleagues for a one-time donation of $10.00 (minimum) to help achieve our goal. All those who donate will be entered to win a hydro flask from the Skyline College Bookstore.

In times like this, we’re reminded of how interconnected we all are. Thank you for being part of our community. Without you, none of it is possible.

Alternatively, you may make your contribution on the Foundation’s website. In the “Designation” drop down menu, please choose “Other” as the option and write in “Skyline College Classified Senate Student Scholarship.” This way, the funds will go to that fundraising effort. Thank you!

Questions? Contact Jeremy Evangelista-Ramos or Belinda Chan.

Article by Belinda Chan and Jeremy Evangelista

International Student Spotlight: Sophie Huang

Student SpotlightGoing to college in the United States is a family tradition for Sophie Huang, a rising senior at UC Berkeley and an Alumni at Skyline College. While Sophie and her family are from Indonesia, both of her parents studied in the United States. They even met in San Francisco!

Sophie’s elder sister is also a Skyline College Alumni, “some of our family live close to Skyline [College], and so they introduced Skyline [College] to my older sister, and my older sister introduced it to me.” Her sister told Sophie that it would be “quite challenging at first.” Nevertheless, she also said that studying in the United States, “makes you think bigger and have a different perspective,” and that Skyline College “provided a lot of resources,” something Sophie would later experience first-hand.

Sophie initially faced cultural, academic, and linguistic barriers. However, she had a lot of support, especially from the International Student Program (ISP). The ISP helped with everything from registering for classes to assisting with finding transportation and managing American bank accounts. In addition, Sophie met friends at the ISP’s events, and found useful information, for example, she got information about how to transfer to certain universities. She is still in contact with staff at the International Student Program, from whom she still gets support.

After a semester, she adjusted and began to dive headfirst into college life. Sophie majored in Business Administration, which allowed her to understand marketing, “think bigger,” and “gain interpersonal skills.” She says Economics Professor Masao Suzuki was especially helpful. He acted as a “support system” for her and gave advice on transferring to UC Berkeley. She still talks to him to this day.

Besides academics Sophie also became very involved with campus life, “I wanted to make my family proud, so I always [found] resources that allow[ed] me to strive further.” Sophie eventually became the president of the International Student Club, an executive at the Phi Theta Kappa Academic Honor Society, and the co-president of the Kappa Beta Delta Business Honor Society.

At the International Student Club, she planned academic and social events. Sophie also got to “work closely with the college president and the college administration,” while creating a sustainability project for the Academic Honor Society. She helped students find scholarships, planned networking events, and provided professional/academic resources at the Business Honors Society.

Sophie learned a lot from working with fellow club officers and members, “I would really suggest students to be part of these organizations because communication and collaborative skills are very important.” She’s had many professionals tell her these skills are must-haves.

Sophie also found jobs at Skyline. She was a Student Ambassador for a Semester. There she helped create the new orientation and was able to share her experiences as an International Student. She was also a business tutor, a job in which she learned how to work with a variety of learning styles, “​​it’s really rewarding to be able to… utilize your skills, to actually help other people and give back to the community.”

Sophie will soon graduate from UC Berkeley with an economics degree, and she plans to work in the United States before heading back to Indonesia. Sophie hopes to one day open her own business in Indonesia. She plans to center it around sustainability, as she believes the environment isn’t emphasized enough in Indonesia.

Sophie notes, “I really enjoyed my college experience at Skyline,” and she found that the smaller size of the campus allowed her to get involved and build relationships. People should “try something new, discover new things.”

 

Article by Evelyn Rossi