In our community, diversity is a frequent topic; consequently, students come and go. With this, we have many different views from different ethnicities of our community. In this month’s edition, we will discuss our school’s spirit, the giant spirit. What makes up our essence is the sense of belonging to something, helping others, getting together, and many other things that belong to the school. Ranging from the thanksgiving tradition that used to be a part of our school. Where the principal would arrive at 3 AM to cook the whole school delicious turkeys for lunch for the entirety of the students and staff. But also simple acts of kindness like helping others with homework.
We feel like it is important to see different views of our spirit. Therefore, our journal worked closely with the ELL/PLL team to perceive the views of different students from different ethnicities and fresh views of our school.
“In our school, there are communities formed by many international students. Students work on activities together helping and supporting each other. They share their thoughts freely and know how to be considerate. Also, students enjoy learning different languages and experiencing other cultures. There is no ignorance among students, in my perception. They always try to show a kind of behavior that respects and admits different cultures. The school has communities where foreigners and newcomers can adapt easily and comfortably.” (Sihyun Kim)
“I have been studying at EAC for about 1 year. In my opinion, EAC has diversity because there are many students and teachers who are from other nations. Also, there are many people who have different skin colors from others. However, this is not going to be a problem for us because of the color of their skin or their nationality. We respect them as a GIANT. Also, students have the tendency to spend their time with students who are from their own country. I think that’s because they can communicate well with their friends.” (Minchan Kim)
“I came to Brazil in 7th grade and I attended EAC for almost 1 and a half years. I met a lot of people. Most people are nice and gentle like helping each other and being international. Students enjoy having conversations and sharing their thought and learning new cultures and languages. Also, the teachers want to help us and when I struggle with their subject, they suggest some solutions like coming to their homework club. School helps some people that adjust to school.” (Inseo Han)
“EAC offers something completely unique in Brazil: the opportunity to learn about different cultures by attending an American school. In addition to students, teachers and workers can also offer a little insight into the culture and customs of their own country. It is true that not everyone is equal, but it is the conviviality with people from different countries and regions that allows people to grow as individuals and enables them to work and interact with people from all over the world without encountering any difficulties. Aside from providing classes and knowledge to their students, EAC also gives them the opportunity to experience what it is like to live in a whole new culture, and to experience the differences that are a part of all those things that make EAC, as a school, so exceptional.” (Anonymous)
“I think the Giants spirit is unique and special. In my previous school, there were no events or groups like the Giants council to make students feel they were part of the school community. Also in my view, students like school and are proud of the fact that they are students of EAC. However, unfortunately, I don’t feel I am a part of giants. I think this is because of customs. Since this is an international school, there are many nationalities and customs together. It provides a good opportunity to get to know each other’s countries, but at the same time, it is a good guide to divide their own groups. So if do not judge by nationality, it will help to feel more welcome to newcomers.” (Anonymous)
These opinions speak for themselves when it comes to feeling included. EAC is a place that allows different students to interact among themselves, beyond different languages and cultures. But some important feedback has been stated here. One thing that is hard to overcome in a school with such diverse cultures is that friend groups will be formed, and in a way, those groups are specific for some cultures. Special thanks to the ELL teacher, Denise who provided us with her sudents’ opinions and views.
EAC PRESS 