This fall, Occupational & Life Skills Bellevue College (OLSBC) students experienced Bellevue College’s eighth annual Japan Week, a series of events presented by the BC Japanese Culture Exchange Club which celebrates Japanese culture and history.
In every OLSBC course, students take part in a community activity directly related to their coursework. The goal of community activities include:
- Apply academic knowledge in a real-world setting
- Learn about business operations and a variety of occupations
- Learn networking skills and exhibit professional behaviors
What OLSBC Students Learned Throughout Japan Week
A few of the OLSBC fall courses attended various events throughout Japan Week. Here are a few of the things they learned about.
Dorayaki Making Workshop: Presented by Bellevue College Japanese Students.
A classic Japanese confection, Dorayaki is a honey pancake sandwich filled with sweet red bean paste called anko. It’s a popular snack and dessert among children and adults alike in Japan. OLSBC students enrolled in Nutrition, Health & Fitness got hands-on experience mixing ingredients, cooking the dorayaki pancake, and, of course, eating their creations.
The WWII Forced Incarceration of Japanese/Japanese Americans and Its Legacy: Presented by Dr. Larry Matsuda.
Our students taking Cultural Awareness attended this presentation by Dr. Matsuda, who was born in Minidoka, Idaho, where his family was incarcerated during World War II. Through his photos, poems, and books, he explained the injustices suffered by Japanese and Japanese Americans and how it affected many innocent people’s lives and futures. In addition, he discussed the relevance of the incarceration today.
Japanese Business Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts: Presented by the Japan Business Association of Seattle.
OLSBC students enrolled in Controversial Issues in the Workplace were given an overview of the dos and don’ts of Japanese business etiquette for successful interactions in Japan. They gained insight into customs and traditions rooted in respect and formality.
Student Comments About Their Experience at Japan Week Events
“What I enjoyed about Japan Week was definitely the Doriyaki making.”
“I enjoyed guest speaker Lawrence Matsuda iterating his vivid anecdotes, poems, exhibiting photos, and books about incarcerated Japanese Americans.”
“I just loved immersing myself in Japanese culture.”
“Doriyaki making not only is it fun, but it’s a cool way to learn things about Japanese culture.”
“My favorite thing at Japan week was the music.”
“I enjoyed seeing my classmates and friends over the Japan Week.”
About OLS Bellevue College
Occupational & Life Skills Bellevue College is an associate degree program for students with learning disabilities. In our uniquely supportive skills-based program, students apply academic knowledge through community activities, service learning and social experiences. Students identify a career pathway, gain marketable, workplace-ready competencies, develop better interpersonal skills and complete an internship in alignment with their career goals.
Learn more about our program at an upcoming Information Session, open to all prospective students, family members/guardians, educators, counselors and other service providers. Come learn why OLS Bellevue College is one of the best colleges for students with learning disabilities.
Last Updated October 17, 2024