From European Culture to American Experience

By Toby Cutts, International Student from the UK

A new hope

A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away (The United States) … There once was a group of students much like yourselves. They studied and laughed, partied and worked. Created clubs and memories. These students were the ancient European students of the not-so-distant past. And from this creativity a baby was born. They called it ‘European Club’.

European club grew and changed. It gave people laughs and experiences. It had purpose, drive and passion. The main purpose of this club was to celebrate European cultures but further to bring people together to experience things you only could in America.

European club took people places and hosted events. They enjoyed a cheese tasting event and created memories at Bainbridge. From UW (American) football games to basketball games, from dutch students to Norwegians, they shared laughs, created memories and climbed mountains.

The phantom of Euro Club

Generations of freshman to alumni flew through the club, providing new perspectives and personality to the group. But one year a shadow fell over the club. With a lack of leadership and interest the club crumbled to a stop. In the year that followed, this once shining baby was discarded and forgotten. Why you ask? Why indeed.

Something was missing from the club you see. Something that was overlooked from the group which, in the end, led to the downfall of European club and a year of emptiness in a once thriving club. The club, you see, began with European students wanting to experience an American lifestyle. We wanted to be tourists and learn culture but also teach European culture to others.

Return of the Club

At last new leadership and new interest spiked and the club suddenly had a new heartbeat. European club was back but still wrecked and missing something vital: Most of the college students were missing. Although the club was never exclusive to European students, we were lacking a push for diversity within our club.

After a debut trip to Mount Rainer with the new members and soon to be leaders, a debate broke out about the future of the club. Natural questions arose. Maybe the same questions you yourself have right now:

Who are we? What is our purpose? Who can join? How are we different? How can I join?

In this moment the new club leaders figured out what was missing and began the club journey in a new direction. The club was missing a new name with a new purpose.

“American Experience club” shouts our new creative media/treasurer officer.

Now we are American Experience Club. A club that strives to bring the experiences only America has to offer to any student at GRC. The opportunity to be a tourist in one of the most tourist attracted countries there is. A chance to learn American culture which is already filled with more diversity than most. And most of all to make friends, bringing American, international and all students together to enjoy their college experience in America.

We are rebranded. We are growing. And we want to experience America with YOU!