President's Office

From President Nguyen

You Are Not Alone

March 22, 2021

Greetings Foothill Owls,

It is hard to believe that our college has been a virtual campus for over 12 months. Please know that you are not alone, and we are cheering you on with finals this week.

Our country remains tested in its effort to be a more perfect union, and these past 12 months prove so. The rise in reported hate crimes is astounding. More than 30% of Asian adults say they have been subject to slurs or jokes because of their race/ethnicity since the pandemic began, according to Pew Research Center. While investigations are underway in the Atlanta mass shooting, we know “hate crimes” are enhanced sentencing because it is a crime not only against the victims, but also a crime against the communities affected.

There’s a Vietnamese saying: 

Bầu ơi thương lấy bí cùng, Tuy rằng khác giống nhưng chung một giàn. (Oh squash, please remember to love the gourd. Even though we are from different seeds, we share the same vine.)

We are in this together.

As an Asian American, I am deeply concerned with the rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans. Racism/bias against Asian Americans is real. I have experienced it, and our country’s history also demonstrates it. Yet, as a former Vietnamese refugee whose family fled by boat in search of democracy, I remain hopeful that diversity is our country’s strength.

Please join me on the last day of finals week to be in community with each other. All are invited, though I want to especially invite Asian and Asian American students to join me.

Boba Tea with President Thuy
Friday, March 26, at 12 p.m.
Join by Zoom

Foothill College is committed to being an inclusive college. Let us share ways to raise awareness at our college and beyond.

Until we meet on Friday, I want to wish you the best of luck on your final exams and assignments.

Please also take time to thank your professors and staff. Our college was ranked the #1 online community college in 2020, and it is due to the dedicated faculty and staff. Yet, they too are challenged by the pandemic, so please take a moment after your finals to express your appreciation.

Warmly,

Thuy Thi Nguyen
President, Foothill College

 

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