President of the International Student Organization, Nilu Gagan has planned the first International Fest at Sinclair Community College on Oct. 30, where a fashion show, dance contest and international foods will be included.
“The International Fest is the celebration of different cultures,” Gagan said. “We are celebrating these cultures by welcoming students on campus and embracing diversity.”
Gagan said tables will be set up for each country during the fest.
“Every country will have a table and will represent the display of their country,” she said. “Flags, maps, things like that. Then we will have international food for the fundraising of [International Student Organization].”
Gagan said she was inspired when attending the University of Dayton’s Culture Fest, and knew then she wanted to start something similar at Sinclair.
“I went to [University of Dayton’s] Culture Fest and I realized, ‘wow we should do that,’” she said.
Gagan believes that diversity is very important and wants to see the interaction of people from different cultures on campus.
“Our biggest goal is to get together and celebrate, learn from each other and welcome each other,” she said.
According to Gagan, being around different cultures can benefit communication skills. She said it is important to learn to respect one another and try to interact.
“You need to learn to blend with each other because there will be work places where you will have people from different cultures,” she said. “Living in the U.S., you need that skill and ability.”
With the International Fest, Gagan said she hopes to contribute to those communication skills while also having fun.
The activities during the fest include an international dance and fashion contest, a scavenger challenge and a raffle. Students who win will receive prizes.
According to the International Fest flyer, some of the prizes include a Starbucks gift card, an Aramark food card, ISO t-shirts and many more.
So far, Gagan said she has 12 to 14 countries attending the fest.
“One of the things I like is the gathering. I see faces from all over the world, but they are all so together,” she said. “They are loving each other, welcoming each other, having fun with each other and trying to learn cultures by respecting one another.”
Students who are interested in volunteering are also welcome.
“We need volunteers to sign up for helping with the event and for decoration,” Gagan said. “We also need participants to sign up.”
Students interested in the fashion or dance contests are asked to sign up.
To sign up, contact Gagan at nilofar.gagan@my.sinclair.edu or go to ISO’s Facebook page at facebook.com/sinclairISO. The deadline for signing up is Saturday, Oct. 26 at midnight.
“We are trying to make a difference by starting something new on campus,” Gagan said. “Please come and join in the celebration of culture — it’s a fiesta.”
The fest will be held from 11:30 to 3:30 in the basement of Building 8 in the Stage Area.
Ellesse Rodriguez
Reporter