By Michela Gritti
International Education Week continued Wednesday evening with two events focused on culture, community, and campus pride.
At 4:30 p.m., the Muslim Student Association hosted Cultural Connections in the JAHT Auditorium. The event gave international students the chance to present on their home countries in any way they chose. More than ten countries were represented, including Italy, Mexico, El Salvador, Haiti, Pakistan, Yemen, Morocco, Palestine and others.
The evening opened with welcoming remarks and a spread of food prepared by MSA members, including homemade hummus from the association’s president. Each student presenter had about ten minutes to share information about their culture, traditions or personal experiences. Students could also receive a passport stamp for attending.
MSA secretary Marwa Elamchiadi said the event went beyond the organization’s expectations. “Our intended goal was to bring the diverse students of UNCP together and build a sense of community,” Elamchiadi said. “It did more than just bring us together. It brought laughter and empathy and most of all awareness for countries that have been stigmatized by society. Overall, it was a wonderful and warm evening.”
Later that night, International Education Week continued at the UNCP versus Fayetteville State basketball game. The Braves won, adding excitement to the celebration. The game was also part of Greek Life Night.
The Office of Global Engagement tabled outside the arena with study abroad information and the passport stamp activity. Small international flags decorated the stair rails leading into the gym.
During halftime, senior Eniola Osunsanya from Nigeria was recognized for her academic success. Osunsanya has a 3.5 GPA and is majoring in computer science with a cybersecurity track.
The evening brought together athletics, culture and international recognition, creating another strong chapter in this year’s International Education Week.