Tomball Reads Archive
The Best We Could Do - 2021-22
The Center for International Education (CIE) initiated the "Tomball Reads" program in the fall of 2021, aiming to develop programs for the entire campus community around a common book.
Their selection for the 2021-2022 school year was
The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui, an illustrated memoir that tells the story of the author’s family’s experience before, during, and after the Vietnam War.
Students in several classes read and discussed the book; faculty and staff held a professional development workshop using themes in the book; there were extracurricular performances and discussions based on the book's themes.
Scheduled Events
| Event | Date | Location | Notes |
| Poetry Writing Workshop | February 25, 11 pm | C 210, Speaking Excellence Center | In this workshop, Professor Mari-Carmen Marin will relate some of her experiences as a Spanish immigrant living in Houston through her poetry. Then, she will invite her audience to share some of their experiences after offering guided prompts that will inspire them. |
| Faculty Fellow-led Book Discussion | Feb 17, 2 pm | via WebEx | All employees who have read or our interested in discussing The Best We Could Do are invited to join our discussion. We will emphasize embracing the stories that each of us brings with us. Instructors: Dr. Margaret Jelinek Lewis, Dr. Lindsay Scott, and Dr. Asitha Silva. |
| Virtual Vietnamese Tea | Took place on Facebook | ||
| Virtual art/photo exhibit: "Coming to America." |
January 18 | Will open using virtual platform "artSteps." |
Submissions: Being accepted via dropbox through Nov. 30. |
| Free Speech Poetry Slam |
Thurs, Oct 21 12:30-2 pm |
Via Zoom | All students are welcome to participate so start practicing your material now! |
| Celebrating United Nations Day: A Discussion Open for Interpretation | Mon, Oct 25 1-2 pm |
Via WebEx | Celebrate United Nations Day and learn about the importance and perils of foreign-language interpreting. |
| Performance Piece Recording: "Where I'm From" | Thurs, Nov. 11 | Interested student actors please contact Jill Brumer. Rehearsals Nov. 9 and 10. | |
| Student Discussion | Thurs, Nov. 18 Time: 3:30 pm |
Via WebEx | All students reading the book this fall are invited to discuss it with Professor Lindsay Scott |
Related Programming
| One of the Harris County Public Library Book Clubs will also be reading The Best We Could Do. |
| Professors Mari-Carmen Marin (English), Catherine Olson (English), and Janie Filteo (Sociology) are incorporating a reading of their book into some of their classes this semester. |