Thursday, I got to feel the true spirit of appreciation at ISAP’s International Street Fair!
As soon as I stepped into the Russell Union Rotunda, I was hit with the vibrant energy from everyone around. The whirlwind of colors, smells, and music greeted students walking by. Students stopped and gaped at the stands where people were sharing their food, cultural organizations, and stories.
I approached a bright, colorful stand where a lovely Mexican lady named Mayra greeted me. She shares,
“Mexican culture is here and is deeply embedded in the US. We are here, we need to teach others who we are because our culture is so rich.”
By creating a space for people to share their native roots, ISAP made this event a platform for understanding and learning, helping to build bridges to cover up gaps between different communities.
“Appreciation is important.” -Mayra Fernandez
Immersing myself deeper into the space, I decided to talk with Taylor Evans, a member of the Chinese Cultural Society, about what she hopes. This organization offers a variety of events and activities, such as participating in cherished Chinese traditions, learning Mandarin, and gaining an immersive experience in Chinese culture!
“I hope people get to learn more about cultures, not just their own but also how they differ from others.” Evans shared.
It’s never too late to learn something new. The Chinese Cultural Society welcomes students of all backgrounds and fosters a space where they can learn to grow and engage with a different and unique culture from their own.
Evans shares that students can get involved by simply “educating themselves a little bit more,”
learning how a culture can be so different but so alike to yours.
“See something and learn something.”
What brought students to attend this International Street Fair?
“Definitely the food and reconnecting with my roots,” said Salvadoran student Andres Nieto.
Bahamian student Joshua Burrows shares, “As an international student, I came to represent International Education Week and be part of all the different cultures that are here in the Georgia Southern campus.”
For many students, the most cherished event at the street fair was the variety of food, including delicious Mexican, authentic Salvadoran food, and Carribean delights!
Study Abroad!
Rachel Woodall and Melissa Brown enlightened me and emphasized the importance of immersing ourselves in global engagement. The Wexford, Ireland, study abroad program at Georgia Southern offers students the opportunity to experience a new culture and scenery while earning academic credits. This unique experience broadens both academic and professional perspectives, providing students with lifelong valuable skills and global insights.
Free shirts, delicious food, bracelets, stickers, you name it! ISAP made this event extra special by providing a space for people to share their cultural diversity. If you missed it, be sure to be on the lookout for the next International Education Week, where you’ll be able to connect with other students from different communities or maybe even your own. It was a celebration of the richness of the diverse cultures found in Georgia Southern’s campus and a reminder of the importance of embracing, sharing, and welcoming new cultures. It’s an event worth taking part in.
