Lloyd Shisler
Staff Writer

People all have dealt with racism. Racism has even affected our lives in a lot of ways. As the generations move on, we see less and less in the world. The Washington State Multicultural Student Services Director Council is sponsoring the event. This event will bring together more than 700 students from colleges throughout the state.

Students who attend this conference will find great opportunities to develop critical leadership skills, expand their knowledge about different cultures, and even make new friends. The conference offers students to share personal, academic, and community experiences with other students.

Students are asked to obey the ground rules. Students will be encouraged to respect their fellow students while following the Student Conduct Code. This will help with productive discussions among students. Students are asked to be honest with others and themselves.

The conference is guided by five main themes; Identity Development, Awareness of Others, Skills Development, Social Justice and Social Activism, and Personal Development. The main goal of the conference is to support Washington State community and Technical college students to become more active advocates of their own education, life choices, and expand the opportunities and possibilities for students to become representatives of change.

The conference consists of 5 sessions with up to 16 workshops per session. This event will be happening during April 14 through the 16. This will be a great chance for students to ask and grow with other students as they learn about each other. This is an opportunity to help each other understand each other in hopes in bringing people closer together.

To apply for the conference, students had to write a one-page essay on how their ethnicity has affected their life. They must have at least a 2.0 GPA, filled out an application and have it all turned in by February 22. If you were not able to apply for this and wanted to, do not worry. You will be able to apply next year for the 2014 color conference.

All registration costs, accommodations, and transportation will be covered by the Center for Equity and Engagement and the Student Body Association for those students selected to win. Out of 76 students that applied, only 40 students from the Fort. Steilacoom campus will be selected to attend this conference.

Two student ambassadors were asked about how they felt about the color conference. Austin Miller said, “The students of the Color Conference is an amazing opportunity for students from all cultures and backgrounds to participate in an enriching and life-changing experience.”

Kassandra Withrow said, “I think students that attend the color conference is a great way to learn about the social issues we have in society. You get to learn about problems that might be difficult and uncomfortable to talk about, but that also allows you to grow as a person.”

There are many reasons why people judge or stereotype each other. The main reason is a miss understanding of each other. The lack of knowledge of putting your self in their “shoes.” Taking steps like the conference, and taking the time to learn about the other person, is a way for people to come together and to get to know each other as people and not as a miss understood person outside of yourself.