NEWS
Campus Life
- Publish Date：2024-11-27
Breaking Stereotypes: NYCU Students Spark Dialogue on Diversity in a Trailblazing Event
Translated by Chance Lai
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has set a new benchmark for cultural dialogue with a groundbreaking student-led initiative, “Beyond Racial Borders: Unpacking Assumptions.” Held on November 18, this event not only ignited passionate discussions across campuses but also attracted participants from 15 countries. Students from NYCU’s two campuses were joined by international students from National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), creating a vibrant and diverse exchange of perspectives.
Students x Creativity x Action: Breaking Barriers Through Dialogue
The event emerged from the student team’s commitment to addressing stereotypes and fostering intercultural communication. “We wanted to create a platform to discuss these often-overlooked issues in Taiwan,” said one of the organizers. Through extensive collaboration with Professor Yu-An Lu, Director of the Sustainable and Peer Education Center (SPEC) in the Liberal Arts College, the idea took shape with the support of the university and friends who generously contributed their time and passion.
Despite challenges—some hesitating to participate due to the sensitive nature of the topics—the team remained undeterred. “Only by confronting uncomfortable issues can we break down barriers and foster genuine understanding,” they emphasized.
The event featured panel discussions and interactive forums that went beyond the typical framework of cultural celebrations. The organizers underscored, “While cultural festivities are essential, they often overshadow unresolved barriers. Addressing assumptions and biases head-on is the key to forging authentic connections.” Participants responded enthusiastically, many stating the event offered them fresh insights.
Voices Across Borders: From Saint Lucia to Taiwan
Elijah, a student from Saint Lucia currently studying at NTHU, shared, “This event gave me a platform to voice my thoughts on cross-cultural differences. It’s personally meaningful and crucial for driving campus-wide change.”
Students x Creativity x Action: Breaking Barriers Through Dialogue
The event emerged from the student team’s commitment to addressing stereotypes and fostering intercultural communication. “We wanted to create a platform to discuss these often-overlooked issues in Taiwan,” said one of the organizers. Through extensive collaboration with Professor Yu-An Lu, Director of the Sustainable and Peer Education Center (SPEC) in the Liberal Arts College, the idea took shape with the support of the university and friends who generously contributed their time and passion.
Despite challenges—some hesitating to participate due to the sensitive nature of the topics—the team remained undeterred. “Only by confronting uncomfortable issues can we break down barriers and foster genuine understanding,” they emphasized.
The event featured panel discussions and interactive forums that went beyond the typical framework of cultural celebrations. The organizers underscored, “While cultural festivities are essential, they often overshadow unresolved barriers. Addressing assumptions and biases head-on is the key to forging authentic connections.” Participants responded enthusiastically, many stating the event offered them fresh insights.
Voices Across Borders: From Saint Lucia to Taiwan
Elijah, a student from Saint Lucia currently studying at NTHU, shared, “This event gave me a platform to voice my thoughts on cross-cultural differences. It’s personally meaningful and crucial for driving campus-wide change.”
Another participant, Pond, reflected, “Seeing such positive engagement was inspiring! I hope for more opportunities like this to foster interaction among diverse communities.”
Yu-An Lu, director of SPEC, applauded the students’ initiative: “Watching them identify issues, mobilize resources, and seek solutions embodies the very spirit of what we aim to cultivate in our students.”
Courage in Addressing the Untouched: The First Step to Breaking Stereotypes
The student team described the event as a profound learning experience and hoped to engage more local students in future activities to expand its impact. “Breaking stereotypes is a long journey, but this event has shown us that change is possible,” they remarked.
Dean of Student Affairs Hung-Pin (Charles) Wen praised the initiative, stating, “This event highlights the creativity and courage of NYCU students in addressing sensitive topics. It is a valuable contribution, and we look forward to more activities like this that promote cross-cultural exchange and understanding.”
The success of this event highlights NYCU students’ ingenuity and proactive spirit, setting the stage for more student-led initiatives championing diversity and inclusion. It promises to bring further inspiration and transformation to the campus community.
On November 18, at the event “Beyond Racial Borders: Unpacking Assumptions.”Related Image(s)：
