First-generation students are those who are the first to attend college in their family, and with this they become the first in their family to experience the ups and downs, joys and struggles of college.
The patriotic red, white and blue pedal-powered bike rides slow, but steady with 15 excited passengers cruising through Bellingham, where it will make stops at local breweries.
A bell rings, a door clatters open and patrons walk in, passing a small desk stacked with books and attended by a young woman. “Secrets” is the title. Many ask if the book is hers, and whether it’s her first book or not.
The setting sun shines through the window as Seattle duo Cubay plays a rendition of “Chan Chan” by Buena Vista Social Club. Salsa dancers from near and far dance through the crowded dining room of Cafe Rumba, kicking off the first day of Rumba Northwest’s weekend-long Viva Cuba Festival.
Staff, students, families and curious passers-by begin to fill the Performing Arts Center plaza as Ky Burt, the first artist performing for Western’s Summer Noon Concert Series, goes through sound check.
A staccato piano score begins as the Upfront Theatre mainstage cast sings the opening chorus to “The Sexiest Fish Hatchery,” an improvised musical conceived from suggestions shouted mere moments prior. For the cast of “An Improvised Musical,” this spontaneity will be one of the few things routine about this performance.
The Apple Bin Express takes customers through rows of orchards at BelleWood Acres. Six to eight old wooden apple bins made into seats are lined up and hooked to a tractor and get pulled out to the orchard for 15 to 20 minutes. When arrived, customers have a chance to pick their own apples off BelleWood Acres apple trees.
The aromatic scents of saffron, turmeric and ginger fill the air of India Grill as patrons sip chai tea and munch on steaming plates of curry and naan. Behind the counter stands owner Santok Tambor, a stocky grey-haired man who is soft-spoken and often wears a kind smile.
It's rare for a college student to say they’re able to purchase their own home. Junior McKai Morgan, a business and sustainability major, has not only purchased a future ho me, but transportation as well.
Bryan Sevener, freshman
Marko Greshock, sophomore
Solutions by The State News
