INA, Ill. (Nov. 1, 2023)—Diversity Week at Rend Lake College was a success. The audience was packed with students, faculty, and staff who were eager to expand their minds and learn more about what makes our world diverse.
The Student Success and Wellness Coordinator Sarah Draper said that as Chair of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Cultural Events Committee she strives to provide positive and educational experiences for students during Diversity Week every year.
“We have presenters and professionals come talk to students about a variety of topics such as culture, mental health, or books they’ve written,” Draper said. “We’re really excited to offer that to students so that they can learn more about them and the world around them. We’re looking forward to having another Diversity Week in the spring of 2024.”
On Tuesday, October 24 RLC welcomed Janine Armstrong, SIU-C Graduate Instructor. Her presentation was titled “Empowering Ourselves and Others: Intersectionality at Its Best.”
She shared her knowledge and research on intersectionality and the ways it can be used to empower ourselves and others.
“A lot of the times when we think about intersectionality, it has become a buzz word but no one really knows what it is,” Armstrong said. “I wanted to let other people know how intersectionality functions in all our lives and the ways it can be used to help everyone.”
On Tuesday, October 25, RLC heard from Jonathon Walters, RLC Director of Learning Innovation & Design, and author Rafael Frumkin, professor of creative writing at SIU-C.
Walters presentation was titled, “Communicating Through Artistic Outlets: A Perspective From Autism.” He shared his story of personal growth and artistic expression through his diagnosis with autism.
“If I was to give advice to students who are neurodivergent, I would say, find your strengths and find a community around you who is going to support you and respect you for who you are,” Walters said. “It is not just about autism awareness, it is about autism acceptance.”
Later, Frumkin presented and read excerpts from his forthcoming book Bugsy and Other Stories. He shared with students the themes of his writing as a queer, trans writer and what inspires him. He led students in a writing exercise and awarded those brave enough to share their work with free copies of his book.
On the last day of Diversity Week, Friday, October 27, Brittney Warren, LCPC shared her presentation “Let’s Talk About Anxiety.”
Warren is a student mental health counselor who is on the RLC campus every Friday to talk to students or offer them guidance and counseling.
She discussed the way our brains respond to anxiety, how trauma influences that, and how to cope with that. “For example, we talked about breathing exercises, positive self-talk, and building a support system.”
RLC would like to thank all of the presenters who shared their knowledge with our community, RL-Cares for organizing Diversity Week, and all the students who participated.
To learn more about the upcoming Diversity Week in the Spring 2024 semester and ways you can get involved, contact Sarah Draper at drapers@rlc.edu or call 618-437-5321, ext. 1264.