WRITTEN BY Ella Silvera

GRAPHICS BY Sarah Byrne Bautista

// Here at Las Lomas High School, we have been given the opportunity to welcome many international students from all over the world. Las Lomas is home to a variety of clubs, many of which include all different cultures and spoken languages. Each club gives international students a chance to be connected with a wide range of students with similar nationalities. At the beginning of each school year, during the month of August, Las Lomas has an  event called “Club Rush.” Here, students can scope out an assortment of clubs, all of which they can sign up to join. Clubs can range from athletic boards to engineering to helping the environment. 

One club, in particular, is the English Learner Student Association Club, a fairly new club here at Las Lomas High School. The president is Angie Chen-us, a senior student at Las Lomas. This is her first year as club president, but she has already enjoyed getting to know each student she collaborates with. She shared her perspective of working alongside international students and the advantage of diversity within the Las Lomas community, as well as the challenges that transfer students face daily. “Well, the challenges that the students they have is that you know, the language barrier…,” said Chen-us. International students face daily struggles regarding tasks that many students often take for granted. The ability to effectively communicate and understand thoroughly does not come as easily to students that have just arrived in a new country, or have not had as much practice speaking in a new language.  

Chen-us also says it can be difficult to interact with international students because many different languages are spoken, and that can lead to confusion when it comes to sympathizing with one another. International Students Day honors those who have accomplished or are currently accomplishing the barrier that is language. While some may have always been able to recognize the words of others, there are people in the world who struggle with this matter. The English Learner Student Association Club assists these students in fully integrating into Las Lomas. “So what we do is to support them, and this club is trying to translate anything they don’t understand like, a word or homework or anything that they need to understand that we can try to help them with,” said Chen-us. Not only does this club passionately support students in their academics, but it also motivates students to keep going and push through times of struggle or doubt. When asked what message she would convey to students of different nationalities on this special day, “I would say don’t give up and keep going even if it is hard,” said Chen-us. 

International students not only broaden the diversity here at Las Lomas High School but also globally. Each different culture provides a new perspective and experience that can enhance learning for every student. International students share unique traditions and aspects that originate from their countries, emphasizing the importance of an enriched classroom with a deep understanding of worldwide cultures. Many students also vary in educational background, influencing their styles of learning and understanding. International students offer different approaches when it comes to problem-solving techniques and insights into situations. International students also help foster many global connections and provide valuable experiences, all of which connect peers. Students of different cultures also bring new language learning opportunities to our community and encourage new ways of communicating. Overall, international students inspire others to embrace both change and challenges through their abilities to adapt to an ever-changing environment where many struggles are faced. 

International Students Day promotes inclusivity and understanding throughout our community. So many of these brave and resilient students play a great role in promoting a diverse educational institution. International Students Day reminds people all around the world that society should always appreciate the transformative power that is knowledge as well as make our world a better, all-encompassing place.