Michigan State University, for the past eight years, has held an event called World Languages Day. This all-day event has classes which include learning about things such as various cultures and their traditions, sampling international cuisine, learning Chinese calligraphy and job opportunities in government agencies. More than 20 students from DHS went to this event last year.
Dexter had participated in the event for many years, but it was not held at Michigan State this year because of funding and personnel issues.
In an article on MSU’s website, Joy Campbell, the chairperson of the World Languages Day Committee said, “World Languages Day is a great event because it exposes students to languages and cultures that are not usually part of a high school curriculum.”
This disappointed students such as senior Amy Read, who went twice before.
She said, “Yeah, I enjoyed it because I never done anything like it before. It’s really interesting sampling all the cultures and meeting lots of people.”
French teacher Kim Lund, while disappointed said, “These are tough times for education in Michigan. I understand the math, but reducing educational opportunities for our kids should be one of the last things to eliminate, not the first. I am sad that it’s no longer offered because the students really enjoyed it. Many went every year because the sessions are different, and without exception, they always responded that I should organize it again the next year.”
Despite the economic downturn, Read said the event should have been held because of the positive influence it has on students.
She said, “I was super bummed because you take different classes every time. It’s always something new and exciting. I’m not sure what I’m going to do with life, but it (WLD) got me interested in other cultures and traveling.”
Seniors like Read won’t be able to go this year, but according to German teacher Kathryn Schmid, Dexter has been invited back for next year’s eent.
