Student Beheshta Eqbali, a member of Clark’s Phi Theta Kappa honors society, has been named a PTK Visual Arts Award recipient for her painting Afghan Girl. Her work will be published in the 30th edition of Nota Bene, Phi Theta Kappa’s honors anthology, and she will receive a $500 scholarship. The anthology will be printed in 2025.

Eqbali is a student leader in the Activities Programming Board. Her painting is being displayed in the ASCC Student Life offices in PUB 160.

PTK Advisor Darci Feider said, “Beheshta is a valued member of Clark’s PTK chapter. We are so proud of her for receiving the PTK Visual Arts Award for her beautiful painting, Afghan Girl. We’re excited that her work will be published in Nota Bene, and we can’t wait to see her honored in the Parade of Scholars at the PTK Catalyst convention in April. It’s wonderful to see her talent recognized on such a big stage. Our chapter is thrilled to support her and to celebrate this incredible achievement!”

About PTK

Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges. PTK recognizes the academic achievement of college students and provides opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders. Clark’s PTK chapter is Alpha Sigma Phi. Students are invited to join PTK when enrolled in at least 12 credits per term and achieve a minimum 3.25 grade point average.

Learn more about Clark’s PTK chapter here.

Q & A with Artist Beheshta Eqbali

Q: How long have you been painting?

BE: Art has been part of my life since I was a kid, but it became something much stronger in my teenage years and continues to be a powerful part of my life today. At first, painting was just a way to express myself without words. English is still new to me. Over time, though, it became something deeper, almost like therapy. It’s where I feel myself most, a space where I can share my thoughts and emotions without saying a word.

Q: What inspired you to paint Afghan Woman? Was there a specific person or event that inspired you?

BE: This painting is inspired by the courage and resilience of Afghan women, especially those who have faced unimaginable hardships yet carry strength in their eyes. It’s also deeply personal for me a way of staying connected to my culture and honoring the people who have shaped me. When I paint, I feel like I’m preserving a piece of my identity, even as I grow and adapt in a new world.

Q: What is the significance of your painting?

BE: For me, Afghan Girl is more than just a painting; it’s a reminder of where I come from and the heritage I carry with me. I see it as a silent storyteller, one that speaks of beauty, struggle, and quiet pride women into Afghan life. Through her expression, I hope others can feel the same depth of love and resilience that I see in my own people.

Q: What field are you studying at Clark?

BE: I’m studying web development because I love creating and problem solving, but painting remains close to my heart. My studies keep me grounded in technology, but painting keeps me balanced. It is where I can explore my creativity. It’s my place to be vulnerable and tell stories that go beyond the digital world and into something more personal. It’s a space where I can connect with my roots and share a part of myself that goes beyond the pixels on a screen.

Learn more

• See Beheshta Eqbali’s painting in the ASCC Student Life offices, PUB 160.
• Read more about PTK’s honors anthology, Nota Bene here
• Read last year’s 29^th edition of Nota Bene here

Clark College celebrated National First Generation Student Day by offering student success mentorships with renown mentor and trainer, Tamam Waritu. He tours around the nation talking to students about being of first generation and discussing student success. 

U.S. Bank provided funding to bring the nationally acclaimed mentor to Clark’s campus. 

The event was organized by Heather Leasure and Darci Feider, who are co-advisors of Clark’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter. 

Feider said, “The small group one-on-one interaction with Tamam is invaluable. You can tell he is really connected and engaged with the students.” 

Leasure explained thanks to funding from U.S. Bank, the students who participated in the day-long mentoring with Waritu will continue being mentored by him for throughout their academic career at no cost to the students. 

“Because the students are engaged, I think this will be a pivotal moment they will look back on throughout their lives,” said Leasure. 

Tamam Waritu said, “I am a first-generation student and trainer. The goal is to make that paradigm shift in the mind of these students. To transcend obstacles. To not only survive college, but to thrive.” Here’s a video of Waritu talk about being first-gen. 

Transfer Fair offers resumé help, crafts  

Another part of the event was a student transfer fair with representatives from Washington State University, Central Washington University, Warner Pacific University, Western Governors University and Columbia Southern University who are there to answer students’ questions.  

Students were encouraged to go to the Career Center to get assistance in strengthening their resumés.  

Students also had the opportunity to unwind by doing crafts, games, and puzzles. Janice Currie made a bookmark she embellished with burnished leaves, mosses, and tree bark collected by fellow student and PTK officer Natalie Perdun. Next, Currie was heading to the Career Center with her resume.  

About Tamam Waritu 

Tamam Waritu, you can call him T, is a former first-gen low-income student turned Student Trainer.  Waritu is a national student speaker and a leadership development trainer who has worked with thousands of first-generation college students and staff in over 500 college and university campuses. He holds an Ed.M. from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree from Portland State University. 

The training the Clark students received encompasses:  

• A full-day comprehensive, hands-on training with Waritu on Clark’s campus  
• An ongoing post-training mentorship with Waritu throughout their academic journey. Students will have the opportunity to schedule virtual group mentoring sessions with him so he can provide ongoing support and guidance. 

The program is tailored to meet the needs of first-gen low-income students. He addresses some pervasive issues first-gen students face: impostor syndrome, low self-efficacy, family issues and sense of belonging.  

Students have the opportunity to gain these takeaways: 

• The ability to see themselves as an asset, not a deficit—a complete paradigm shift   
• Heightened personal awareness and clearer vision regarding academic and career goals 
• The ability to sustain motivation throughout college  
• Increased self-confidence and adopting an attitude of “I belong” and “I have what it takes”  
• A greater understanding of the science behind habit formation 

From food stamps to Harvard… 

Taman Waritu comes from a family with no educational background. He grew up in a low-income government housing with food stamps as one of their main sources of income. He graduated from one of the lowest performing inner-city high school, considered an “at-risk” student. Since he was the first person in his family to go to college, his first day of college experience felt like he was in a different world… 

Read more about Tamam Waritu here. 

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Three Clark College students are among those being recognized for their academic excellence and community service.  

Alexandria (Lexi) Kneipp overcame her social anxiety by stepping up to be a leader, first in high school and now as a Phi Theta Kappa officer. Volunteering has helped her become more connected to the college and her neighborhood community. She enjoys leading and assisting others in navigating difficulties or making someone’s life easier. After she graduates this spring, she will transfer to Western Washington University to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. 

Lexi received another PTK honor by being selected as a Coca-Cola Bronze Scholar. She will receive a $1,000 scholarship and a bronze medallion. She will be recognized at the PTK International Conference and the All-Washington Academic Team ceremony, both in April.  

As one of the top 16 award recipients of the PTK’s All-Washington Academic Team, she will receive a $750 scholarship from Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECC). 

Bruce Adams was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. It significantly impacted him and his ability to do his job as a lab courier. His new career goal became to have a career again. He is determined to earn his degree. As he returned to college, Bruce initially was concerned about online learning, but the resources available for virtual learning eliminated his fears. He will graduate this fall with honors in the Health Information Management program and looks forward to returning to the workforce. 

Ella Merusic was motivated by her parents, who worked hard to overcome difficulties in life for her benefit. They gave her the support she needed to improve her life and future. Ella is looking forward to graduating with honors in Biological and Biomedical Sciences this summer. She plans to transfer to Washington State University to continue her studies to become a software designer/engineer who can better others’ lives through her work. 

The top three recipients will be announced at the Washington State Conference. Each will receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Association of College Trustees (ACT). The ceremony will be livestreamed via the SPSCC YouTube channel. 

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley