B Y: N IC O L E BA S K IN S E PT E M B ER 3 0 , 20 1 3 MESSAGE 1 Diversity Month: Cultural Differences Here at Western you will meet people with all types of ethnic backgrounds. In my short time here I’ve already seen or befriended those who are Cherokee, Cuban, African, Mon, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Scottish, English (from England), Brazilian, and Saudi Arabian! But who’s to say there aren’t even more people from different backgrounds on campus! Photo by Western Carolina University Twitter Page This is one of the beauties of college. You can truly learn a lot from other students! Learning about different beliefs and cultures around the world will undoubtedly make you a better person and will help you later in life! Interested in Studying Abroad? Start planning now! Seek help at the Office of International Programs and Services and take a look at the WCU Study Abroad page! 3 EASY WAYS TO MEET PEOPLE OUTISDE YOUR ETHNIC GROUP: JOIN CLUBS! Take a look at OrgSync to see active clubs like ASA (Asian Student Association), International Friends Campus Ministry, and the Latino Appreciation Student Organization. IFEST! Western has an annual International Festival where tables are set up featuring different countries in the world. There you will also find different cultural organizations that are here on campus! SAY HI! If you have class with someone who you’re not familiar with try saying hi! It’s great meeting new people. I myself have made many friends with people outside of my culture just by taking the first step by saying “Hi”. MESSAGE 2 Cubs Corner! Your Journey – Your Goals! HEY CUBS! This year we have some making a difference! A group mission to making a positive their belief that by uplifting will in turn uplift someone effect. By doing good deeds one of the members of Ripple story recognized here on remember it’s not always sometimes the smallest difference in someone’s day. amazing students out of caring cubs are on a impact on campus! It is one person that person else, hence the “ripple” you could be awarded by On and also have your Cubs Corner! But about recognition; things can make a So get up, Get out, and Ripple On! Want to be in an issue of the Message Board? “CUB’s Corner” IS NOW OPEN! This section is all about YOU! Show off your creativity! We need new cubs to submit their own works such as an original poem, video, drawing/ comic strip, short story, almost anything! There will also be a lucky cub featured in one week’s issue for getting involved on campus. Whether it’s through volunteer work, club/organization, or an event on campus! Simply send in a picture or short video and a short description of yourself and what you’re doing to stay involved on campus! Need advice? Cub’s Corner will also feature an Ask Mitten’s column! All submission types are to be sent to cubsaskmittens@yahoo.com! MESSAGE 3 Weekly Reviews! Explore—Discover—Make Memories Thai Spice By: Adam Eckard My recent visit to the restaurant Thai Spice, in Waynesville, NC was one I shall never forget. The restaurant is located in the heart of little Waynesville, and it offers amazing Thai food at reasonable lunch and dinner prices. When my sister and I walked in we were greeted by the owners and seated instantly. The décor in the restaurant is a very modern look with paintings and artwork that is done locally with a splash of Asian culture just for good measure. The building has very high ceilings, so you don’t feel cramped at all while you are there enjoying your meal. The aroma of the food greets you as well, once you walk through the door. The staff was very quick and efficient for all the needs you would have during a dinning session there. My sister pointed out one thing she noticed and that was, if you order a soda it does not come from a fountain, it is poured from a two-liter bottle, which is fine but some people just prefer true fountain drinks. I had their sweet tea which was very good for it being a Thai restaurant, a true southern sweet tea flavor. I had ordered the Cashew Nut plate with chicken and had them make it spicy, (if you aren’t good with hot foods don’t order it spicy). My meal was very delicious and just what I would expect from a true Thai restaurant, the flavors of the dish blended perfectly with just that nice kick of spiciness that I like. Meals usually come with a side of sticky rice, which is extremely good rice. The plate I had ordered usually costs $7.99 for the lunch time special of it and $10.99 for the dinner version of it, which isn’t half bad for the quality and quantity of food you receive; it was enough for two people to eat with one plate and dinner time. My experience at Thai Spice was a very good one: the atmosphere is very open and cozy for the style of building, the cost is very low for a Thai restaurant with the quality you receive, all in all it is a very nice place to eat if you are in Waynesville and are craving some really good Thai food with some spice to it. I would highly recommend going to this restaurant because I know very well that I will be back to enjoy their food once again. If you are curious to read more reviews, visit the wiki: http://roma.wcu.edu/groups/getlocal/ MESSAGE 4 Announcements! SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK! LATINO HISPANIC EXPO! 9:00 AM Monday September 30- Wednesday October 2 UC Grand Room Red Zone’s Sexual Empowerment Week September 30, 2013-October 4, 2013 Sponsored by the Department of Sociology and Anthropology SPORTS Softball Saturday October 6 Gardner-Webb 12:00pm Walters State 4:00pm *** For More Events this week visit, http://www.wcu.edu/11570.asp *** Discover College Adapt to new environments and responsibilities - discover and use the resources available to you! Be Involved Identify and act upon your role and responsibility as an engaged citizen - be an active participant in your learning experiences! Connect the Dots Connect your personal interests and abilities, academics, and co-curricular activities as you make sense of the world. Think First Identify complex issues or problems – evaluate your options to make an informed decision - reflect on the implications of your choice. Exchange Ideas Communicate appropriately and respectfully in a variety of formats and contexts. Calibrate Your Compass Examine your values and goals - take responsibility for your own learning and development - act with integrity!