International Day

Salut! Hola! Ni hao! Jambo! These were just a few of the ways our NLC students said “hello” on International Day.

The annual event on April 8 was an explosion of cultural diversity at its best. The world’s top regions joined in unison to celebrate their respective identities.

Several countries were proud to share a piece of their home with us all. Included among them was Mexico, Colombia, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Bangladesh, India, England, the islands of the Caribbean, Switzerland, Peru, Japan, Vietnam, Nepal, America and Brazil.

International Day is becoming one of the most anticipated events at NLC. “The best thing about International Day has to be the food,” said Jae Woong Byun, an NLC student from Korea.

Additionally, international students used the event as a great excuse to show off the beauty of their national wears. As a result, the day turned into a majestic fusion of mystical colors varying from dazzling shades of gold and silver, to sensual green, violet and indigo hues. If that’s not enough, there was even reggae, garba and salsa music to cultivate the scene.

On display were interesting artifacts such as ashtrays, cups, dolls, books, posters and paintings, which depicted aspects of the varying nations. Religious and traditional items such as incense, masks, Buddhist sculptures, jewelry and even money were presented.

One representative from Kenya used the difference in currency value to illustrate the state of his economy. Foreign students, teachers and visitors alike carried exuberant smiles when speaking to curious participants about amazing attributes of the homes they left behind.

Students Subhash and Manish from Nepal confirmed that it was a great opportunity to witness the differences and similarities, and the likes and dislikes of the various cultures.

International Day created more awareness of the cultures outside our realm.

As students took a break from studies to step into the classroom of “world merriment,” they had a chance to experience different events. These included an Indian dance performed by Sandeep, Dada, Binod and Bahara; a yoga demonstration by Shambhu Sharan and students; salsa lessons from Lilia Gusman and her partner from Venezuela; line dance lessons given by Samanthia Spence; Tai Chi demonstrations by Henry Su and students; and a speech on Mahatma Ghandi by V. Chilakamarri.

NLC saw individuals at their best in the International Fashion Show, which featured traditional and sentimental designs from West Indian countries, Africa, and parts of Europe. The awe, inspired by the runway of diversity, did not stop there — there was also Aztec dancing by Ollin Xochipille. Marian Amekudi performed a dance, as her contribution and appreciation of the celebration.

WOW! Who said school was stressful? International Day left us all a little more knowledgeable and intrigued about each other’s heritage and ready to tour the world.

Talk about being culturally educated! I’m ready from next year. Are you?