Lessons about culture took on a human face with a presentation from a former student.

Diana Chang ’06 (Kaye's) attended Mr. Galen Loiselle's AP Human Geography class on Wednesday to discuss her experiences during and since her Shawnigan days, as well as her new role as the School's representative in Asia.

During her multimedia presentation, Diana spoke to the group about what culture means to her and what she's learned in her time at Shawnigan, in the UK, at Queens University, and working in Asia. She also asked the students what they thought Shawnigan's culture was, with responses ranging from sport to academics to varying nationalities.

Coincidentally, students and staff were wearing pink around the School on Wednesday, giving Diana a chance to point at Anti-Bullying Day initiatives as an example of Shawnigan's culture of kindness and inclusion.  

"Culture is more than where you're from" Diana says. "It isn't simply an art, nor is it a way to generalize someone's identity. Culture is heritage. Culture is food. Culture is tradition. Culture is fluid. Culture changes, it adapts, it evolves. Culture is the fabric designed and spun by our ancestors and one that we have an obligation to cherish, enhance, and pass along."

Diana will be heading to Shanghai, China shortly to work as Shawnigan's External Relations Associate and Consultant – Asia Pacific.

– Jon Zacks