Recapping Another Year of Learning, Growth and Expansion
Jingle, Jingle, Jingle! As we race through the year's final weeks and prepare for the winter holiday break, the Center reflects on another year of tremendous learning, growth, and expansion while diving headfirst into preparations for spring 2025.
2024 marks another chapter of learning and discovery as more Lancers embrace the world of diversity through various programs. From participating in dynamic cultural exchanges to engaging in thought-provoking discussions, our students have deepened their understanding of the complexities of our interconnected world. At a recent school event, student representatives Nathan Arellano and Nola Kilar eloquently shared their insights from participating in the Center’s programs. Nathan reflected, “These experiences have sparked a personal mission: to explore, connect, and grow by embracing as many cultures, places, and people as possible. I’ve learned that the key to understanding lies in empathy—in being willing to step into someone else’s shoes and truly see the world through their eyes. Our society desperately needs more of this empathy. When we open ourselves to the experiences of others, we dismantle divisions and build bridges that unite us. It is through these connections that we can truly make the world a better place.”
Nola added, “Young people are the answer to unity and peace in the world. We are innocent enough to see past certain biases but smart enough to empathize and give condolence to those in the midst of hardship.” Their words resonate deeply with the Center’s mission: to guide students and the Lasallian community to step outside their comfort zones, explore diverse cultures, and nurture empathy and compassion. Imagine the impact if each of us embraced kindness, acceptance, and tolerance—together, we could make the world a much better place.
2024 has been a year of remarkable growth as students, faculty members, and families continued to expand their horizons through the Center’s cultural exchange programs. These programs facilitated immersive experiences that encouraged participants to embrace new perspectives and develop meaningful connections. Students participating in PCC’s dual-enrollment Global Studies course and the Harvard Model Congress Conference enhanced their knowledge and sharpened their critical-thinking skills through rigorous exploration of today’s most pressing global issues. These opportunities challenged participants academically and fostered personal growth as they navigated complex global perspectives. Faculty, too, found inspiration through professional development opportunities that allowed them to integrate global themes into their classrooms, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
2024 also brought exciting partnerships and opportunities for expansion. In addition to established programs in Spain and France, students ventured to new destinations like Cádiz, Seville, and Portugal for summer study abroad. These journeys provided transformative experiences, where students engaged deeply with each location's language, history, and culture. In the fall, we proudly welcomed our new partner school from Shanghai, China, for a week of active learning, dialogue, and immersive experiences. This partnership, filled with lively discussions and shared discoveries, exemplifies our commitment to fostering cross-cultural appreciation. During our Thanksgiving exchange to Spain, faculty members introduced specialty classes to showcase the richness of our curriculum, further strengthening bonds between our schools and highlighting the unique contributions of our Lasallian community.
Building on this year’s momentum, the Center for Cultural Perspectives has expanded its outreach and is poised for even more outstanding achievements in the coming year. Spring 2025 promises to be bustling with activity as La Salle welcomes more students and faculty to Pasadena while our Lancers prepare to embark on enriching adventures to new destinations. Adding Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Shanghai, China, to our cultural exchange roster marks an exciting chapter in our journey to cultivate global citizenship. These new opportunities will broaden our students’ worldviews and deepen their understanding of our shared humanity, paving the way for a brighter, more connected future.
As we prepare to celebrate the holidays with loved ones near and far, the Center extends heartfelt gratitude to all who supported and participated in our programs. Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and generosity have been the foundation of our success. We warmly invite more families to join us on these incredible journeys as Lancers continue to explore the world, one connection at a time.
To conclude this fantastic year, I’d like to share wisdom from Brother Jesús of Colegio La Salle Montemolín in Zaragoza, Spain. When asked about the necessity of intercultural skills, he shared, “One of the most important values we humans possess is everything that involves a connection with others, other cultures, and diversity.” He further added that “living with awareness, being mindful, and living deeply with humanity while remaining aware, is one of the most important principles, and we are so much more when we recognize our shared humanity.”
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La Salle College Preparatory was founded in 1956. Today, we are the only truly diverse and co-educational Catholic high school in Pasadena.