“We are a tree. The tree has many roots and it has all of these branches. All together we are very strong,” Petroske said.Whether at Western, NWIC, or just within the Bellingham community, diversity is everywhere; it does not matter if someone is of color or not, Petroske said. Petroske and Scott hope to come back to Western and discuss the letters in detail. NWIC and Western have always had a relationship, but building a stronger connection is something that can be worked on, Panelo said. “We are still trying to figure out all of the things that need to be resolved in the Ethnic Student Center, internally, first,” Panelo said. “It has been motivating to see other organizations wanting to work with us.”