CULTURAL
Finding ways to engage, connect, and learn about other cultures has been at the forefront of my time at CWU. I did this by attending events held on campus, taking course work in a variety of topics, choosing a minor in Accessibility Studies to gain valuable knowledge of inclusivity under Dr. Naomi Petersen, and interning with the Washington State School for the Blind. Respecting others differences and taking time to learn about other cultures is how I see cultural wellness. -Angela Kyle, 2020 graduate
Cultural Wellness may be defined as the behaviors, values and beliefs shared by a group of people, such as an ethnic, racial, geographical, religious, gender, class or age group. Everyone belongs to multiple cultural groups, so that each individual is a blend of many influences. Culture includes or influences dress, language, religion, customs, food, laws, codes of manners, behavioral standards or patterns, and beliefs. It plays an important role in how people of different backgrounds express themselves, seek help, cope with stress and develop social supports. OVERCOMING IMPOSTER SYNDROME AS A FIRST Affinity Groups An affinity group is a group of students linked by a common
identity, ideology, or interests. Affinity groups play a vital role in ensuring an inclusive environment where all are valued, included, and empowered to succeed. They can provide a collective voice for students focused on commonality. Below are some groups ready to welcome you at CWU. • Access, Learning, Belonging and Equality (ABLE) • Brother2Brother (CLCE) • Black Student Union (BSU) • Central African Student Association (CASA) • Equality for Queers and Allies (EQuAl), • Filipino American Student Association (FASA) • First Generation Student Association (FGSO), • Friends of Asia University American Program (AUAP) • Latinx Student Organization • Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlan (MEChA) • PolyCentral • South Asian Student Association (SASA) • S.I.S.T.E.R.S. (ICA) • Add your own The Diversity and Equity Center hosts an Affinity Series called “Find Your People.” This fall, sessions are offered for Students of Color, Graduate Students of Color, LGBTQ+, Interfaith, and Multiracial.
GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT People who are the first in their families to attend college often experience nagging internal messages about whether they’re smart enough to finish a degree and even whether they deserve to be in college. The competing priorities of work and family can contribute additional stressors, often leading a student to ask, “Why am I here?" The feelings of being an imposter are not only on-campus Students often find that they have similar feelings when returning home. Family and friends sometimes see you as being “better” than them or “smarter.” This can cause feelings of guilt for the opportunities that you’ve had that your family and friends have not. In reality, you are still you, and you belong. Roughly 50% of CWU students are the first in their family to go to college. As an institution we know who we are, and we celebrate this aspect of our campus culture. One of the ways we do this well is to focus on connections. We care about your success and want to help you be successful. That said we are unable to force you to take advantage of the many services we offer to help you be successful. HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO HELP YOU BE SUCCESSFUL 1. Believe in yourself/Remember what you do well 2. Embrace the concept of ‘good enough’ 3. Identify the feelings that are upsetting you and counter them
4. Reach out for help 5. Find role models 6. Know that you’re not alone
Campus and community members participate in Día De Los Muertos celebration
Activist Shaun King speaks with students
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