April 16, C130-A and B were filled with faculty and students attending the annual “Taste of BC Potluck” .
Upon entering the room, one might have been dazzled by potent and alluring aromas of yellow curry with chicken and potato over jasmine rice, or maybe a delectable quiche with spinach, cheese, and a perfect crust, or possibly an unparalleled Icelandic meatball.
Students, staff members and teachers alike flocked in the waking hours of lunchtime to partake in the party atmosphere and, of course, the food. While the food raised spirits and filled appetites, these effects were not necessarily so incidental.
One of the main themes and goals of the potluck was to promote pluralism at Bellevue College.
Justin Heart, a chef and committee member in league with the event, explained that the point of the annual potluck “is to give some space for people to come together to share food.”
He said, “[the potluck] is an easy-to-approach venue that allows people across different cultures and ethnic backgrounds to connect.”
“Food is a part of physical culture that allows itself to be shared with various individuals.” said Heart.
“Food is something the, across cultures, brings us (as human beings) together and enables us to interact with one another”.
Heart, to the benefit of many, prepared some Japanese noodles, garnished with pickled radishes, green onions, sesame seeds, and a dash of seaweed. Heart’s inspiration from this dish came from the time that he spent living in Japan.
Though certainly tasty, Heart’s noodles help to demonstrate the message and implications of what it means to be pluralist and how one can emulate these qualities with others at the college and in their community as well.
Juan Ulloa, another committee member and organizer of the event, said, “[the potluck] has managed to bring a lot of the college employees together, and get people to experience their differences through food.”
He adds, “The variety in the college gets different people together and gives them the chance to get to know each other,” said Ulloa.
While not directly connected to the event, donations obtained during the event will be directed towards Bellevue College’s Student Resource Network; this network includes such resources as: Crisis/Emergency Services, Medical/Dental, Food, Housing, Legal, Counseling, and even Financial Assistance.
Besides the monetary donations, a box was set up in the room collecting cans and food for Hopelink. Hopelink, which has a location relatively close to the college’s campus on 148th, is an organization that helps families in need across North and East King County by giving food, and other essentials to individuals and families.
While creating delicious food and stimulating socialization in the “pluralist” fashion, the potluck is now in its seventh year, of bringing individuals together and allowing them to discuss issues and problems that are so often ignored by the general public.