International Day weaves together a fabric of diversity that is North Lake College
Photos by Victoria Stafford
It was a day for coming together and celebrating the diverse nationalities on campus and to share traditions and customs with others. The clothing was colorful, the day was beautiful, the entertainment was energetic and the camaraderie among students was at an all-time high. International Day 2008 was one to remember.
German sausages, Lebanese greens and wheat, Italian sausage, exotic jewelry, beautiful women, gorgeous clothes from India, Nepal, Pakistan and the Philippines – all were part of International Day at North Lake College.
“[Learn] how to make a tabouli salad,” Mona Cherri called from the Lebanese table in the courtyard. Cherri, a native of Lebanon who teaches business and information technology, said the annual celebration encourages students to demonstrate their cultural diversity and make new friends on campus.
Wanda Whitten, program director for North Lake’s International Student Center, was first to test the tabouli.
“It’s wonderful,” she screamed.“I am going to eat it all.”
Mitra Bhattarai, an English major from Nepal, said he looked forward to the International Day celebration because there “is no social life in America.”
Bhattarai said he misses the easy camaraderie shared by residents of his homeland, but added: “This kind of celebration among the international students of different countries helps.”
The annual event is organized by Student Programs and Resources, or SPAR, as well as the International Student Center.
North Lake student Roxana Portillo sampled pizza from the Italian table and declared it a hit.
“It’s really good – different taste and more quality,” she said.
The North Lake Dance Team performed at the festival.
Tracie Hernandez, who teaches English at North Lake, said she thoroughly enjoyed the people, food and music at the German table.
Pramoda Paul, an advisor with the International Student Center, wore a stunning sari to International Day, which she said “unites [people from] different countries and promotes their cultures.”
Farida Iqbal, a student from the United Arab Emirates, presented a fashion show featuring several other international students.
Iqbal also is vice president of North Lake’s International Club. She said the annual celebration is a success in team-building.
“North Lake College does an excellent job,” Iqbal said. “It made a second home for international students.”