“I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stifled. I want cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible.”-Mohandas k. Gandhi
In the spirit of creating a welcoming place to a diverse group of ESOL students, the English language Institute (ELI) hosted a two-day Thanksgiving celebration on November 21st and 22nd. ESOL students were invited to drop in for dessert, to play games, hang out, and take fun photo booth pictures. The ELI also set up an interactive “What is Happiness…” chalkboard. Some of the ESOL students wrote, “Happiness is having everyone you love with you”, “Having good friends you can trust”, and “Being able to share your struggles to help others.”
Part of the ELI’s vision is to foster a sense of community among ESOL students and to help them experience Skyline College as a place to belong. The diversity of the student population at Skyline College, which includes over 300 students in the ESOL program, is a strength and a gift. The ELI seeks not only to help ESOL students in “getting in” and “getting through” Skyline College, but also to provide services marked with a spirit of hospitality.
Article and Photo by Mylene Foo
