Page 259 - Keys To Community College Success

Diversity and

Communication

MAKING RELATIONSHIPS WORK

What Would You Risk? Louise Gaile Edrozo

THINK ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AS YOU READ, AND CONSIDER WHAT ACTION YOU WOULD TAKE.
THIS CHAPTER FOCUSES ON THE DIVERSITY OF TODAY’S STUDENT BODY, EFFECTIVE
COMMUNICATION, AND CONNECTING WITH OTHERS.

In her native Philippines, Gaile Edrozo was on track to earn Gaile feared that the reward of
a biology degree and begin medical school. However, becoming a nurse, having a career
financial difficulties derailed her plans. Seeking more she loved, and financially contribut-
opportunity to work and earn a living, she and her family ing to her family would be out of reach
took the calculated risk of coming to the United States. as it had been in the Philippines. She
Gaile enrolled as a nursing student at Highline Community threw herself into her schoolwork, hoping
College in the fall of 2004. She was considered an interna- to be eligible for scholarships or other
tional student because she was not yet a U.S. citizen. aid. However, no scholarship she explored was available
As Gaile worked toward her goal to become a nurse, to an international student. Ready to risk reaching out
the financial burden of her education caused excessive for help, Gaile registered for Honors 100, a course at
stress and sleepless nights. The cost of her education was Highline for both citizens and international students
too high for her family to manage, even with the many that helps students explore scholarship opportunities,
sacrifices her parents had made. Even more frightening prepare portfolio and résumé materials, and look at
was the possibility that Gaile would lose her status in four-year institutions. She hoped her instructor, Dr. Bar-
the United States if she was unable to stay in school, bara Clinton, could help her avoid losing her dream a
and she would have to return to the Philippines without second time.
her family. To be continued . . .

CONNECTING WITH
OTHERS OPENS UP
POSSIBILITIES AND CAN
HELP YOU LIVE YOUR
DREAMS. YOU’LL LEARN
MORE ABOUT GAILE,
AND THE REWARD Working through this chapter will help you to:
RESULTING FROM HER
ACTIONS, WITHIN THIS • Define and develop cultural competence P. 222
CHAPTER. • Communicate effectively in person and online P. 228
• Adjust communication to suit different audiences P. 229
• Build teamwork skills P. 234
• Know how to give an effective presentation P. 235
• Manage personal relationships P. 235
• Handle conflict, criticism, and anger P. 238