​​I'm delighted to announce my role as the Director of the Center for Cultural Perspectives, and I want to extend a warm welcome to everyone!

Today I wanted to explain how we are able to create such an amazing program for students through our partners in the Lasallian Network. You might be wondering, what's this Global Lasallian Network all about? Well, let me take you on a journey through time. In 1679, the great St. John Baptist De la Salle founded the first Lasallian School. Fast forward to today, and these schools have spread their roots across over 80 countries, forming an incredible web of education and unity. Each school might vary in terms of its students, curriculum, and methodologies. Still, they stand united under the banner of the Lasallian heritage, driven by a mission to empower personal growth through exploration and discovery.

Being a proud member of this global network, the school believes in taking advantage of the power of global education. It's not just about acquiring knowledge; it's about developing the skills and empathy needed to understand the perspectives that make up our world. At La Salle, we're all about being individuals who value the common good through global learning, leadership, and service. Hence the creation of the Center for Cultural Perspectives. This center is like a bridge connecting us to the rest of the world. It's a place where we learn to be open-minded, to truly listen, and understand different viewpoints. It's a place of inspiration where we're encouraged to explore cultures and promote global harmony. Together, students and I will investigate how culture shapes our perceptions and actions. We’ll be able to put these skills to the test through world travel, hosting foreign visitors, and engaging in global projects.

In 2022-2023 students, teachers, and families came together for intercultural exchanges with schools in France, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. And a summer study program in Spain took our educational experience to a new level. As we traveled our hearts opened up to diverse cultures. We created unforgettable memories. We embraced new perspectives. And above all, we built bridges worldwide and contributed to global peace. It was a year of growth, connection, and realizing the potential within each of us to create positive change on a global scale.

And As the new year comes up, we're ready to take on new challenges, new programs, and new horizons. Our existing partnerships with schools in France, China, Spain, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan continue to thrive. We're looking at starting new exchange programs in areas like athletics, music, dance, arts, medical research, robotics, and cultural studies, all in exciting new countries.

So, my friends, that's the journey I've been fortunate to embark upon with creating the new Center of Innovations. It's been a journey to remind us that in our beautifully diverse world, there's so much to explore, so many hearts to connect with, and many opportunities to make a lasting impact. And if you are reading this but haven’t talked to me yet, what are you waiting for?

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By: Jialin Sun "Sunny"