A cultural community in a school environment is crucial to the experience of many students. Being new to high school, it’s difficult at times to understand all the aspects of school life. This is why Walter Johnson offers plenty of cultural clubs to help every student find a community. 

Black Student Union is a perfect example of a club that has an immense sense of cultural community. Mwape Sokoni, the president of Black Student Union, had a difficult experience when she first started out as a freshman.

“I felt very disconnected and anxious to join any extracurriculars,” Sokoni said. “It can be easy to overlook how important it is to have a cultural community that you can rely on, and as a Black student, I’ve really appreciated having a space where I can seek support and celebrate my fellow Black students.”

Sokoni was able to overcome the challenges she faced and become the president of a well-established club that benefits her sense of self and community.

Similar to BSU, South Asian Student Union (SASU) is another club that members find culturally significant and a positive space. Sophomore Aman Kalsi, who is now SASU’s treasurer, says her club experience has been enriching and rewarding in many ways. 

“Joining SASU was important to me to find a cultural community because it helped me become more in touch with my heritage and taught me new things about myself,” Kalsi said.

Kalsi participates in cultural dance performances throughout the year at assemblies and international nights, which allow her to connect to her culture.

African Student Union is yet another club that is a welcoming and culturally fulfilling experience. Junior Daniella Ngah said it has helped her form positive connections with people from her culture.

“Joining ASU during my freshman year really helped me find a community in which I feel welcomed,” Ngah said.

Ngah, Sokoni and Kalsi all agreed the biggest part of joining a club is being able to meet people like themselves, which is a vital part of finding their community.  

“It enabled me to meet new people who have had a similar experience to me,” Ngah said. “I was also able to make a lot of connections which helped me a lot throughout high school.” 

As students adjust to high school they can take advantage of the options available to them to form connections with other people and their own identity.