The Global Interactive Association, which formed on January 2015, launched its first school-wide event last week Monday on June 8. GIA leaders and International Business Program students Keiko Hiramadsu and Sayo Onoda organized the Bellevue All-Stars, a talent show that used a dedicated Facebook page as an application and voting platform.
The GIA’s objective is similar to other international organizations at Bellevue College – provide an open and communicative space for all students, whether international or not. Hiramadsu and Onoda founded the GIA in order to “create more cultural interactive events with the students,” according to Hiramadsu.
Hiramadsu and Onoda began planning the Bellevue College All-Stars on February 2015 after Student Programs rejected their first event idea.
“We were going to have another event called Miss Bellevue College, which would be like a beauty contest for girls,” said Hiramadsu, “We started planning this on January 2015, but since it’s only for girls, the student office did not allow it.”
“We understand why though, because we have to give equal opportunity to all students,” said Onoda.
As a result, GIA began preparing for the talent show, which was held in the cafeteria from 5 – 7 p.m. Snacks and refreshments were provided and made by the World Food Diner, a student cooking club.
“We wanted to do this as a global interactive event where Bellevue College students can meet other people,” said Onoda.
Unlike other past talent shows this school year, Bellevue College All-Stars used Facebook as a platform to apply for the show. Participants are required to post a photo, a short biography and a description of their talent.
“I think we have many talent shows in Bellevue College, but I thought we do not have a talent show that uses the Facebook online system,” explained Hiramadsu about her decision to incorporate the social media platform into the talent show.
“I thought it would be more interesting if we use Facebook to vote on the performances,” said Hiramadsu. Through Facebook, she hoped to connect the audience with the performers and vice versa.
Additionally, audience members could vote on their favorite participants by using SurveyMonkey, the same voting program used during the ASG elections.
The Bellevue College All-Stars was the last event hosted by GIA for this school year. Although Hiramadsu and Onoda will be completing their one-year IBP program by September, they hope their organization will continue to hold interactive events.
“I want people to enjoy college life because Bellevue College students seem very busy and I don’t think many of them attend the college events,” explained Onoda.