Take an International Journey

So ever since I've been a Clarkie I've also been a member of the International Students Association, a 'extracurricular' student organization that took over (I asked for it) much of my life for the past four years (I am now in retirement as the club's advisor). The mission of ISA is to unite and represent multiculturalism and diversity in all its forms via educational and entertainment events for the Clark community (and beyond).

 

 

One such event is our fall centerpiece - International Journey. International Journey, as I new it as an undergraduate was essentially a one day cultural bazaar hosted in Tilton Hall. Students would gather to represent their nations and regions by hosting a table which often featured souvenirs, informational materials, slideshows/videos, photographs, flags, and of course, food. Representatives will often wear their national costumes and be on hand to give you a quick introduction to their motherland/regional culture, and would often join with fellow students to give performances as well. The students were hosted within a space that was transformed into whatever theme was chosen for that year,  be it 'Around the world in 80 bites', 'Where in the World is Sigmund Freud', 'Indiana Jones', 'airports' and so forth. Last year's centerpiece saw a very "Up"- inspired hot air balloon being created with a collection of 150 helium balloons.

This year however, while that international bazaar still stands, International Journey has expanded exponentially to feature four days of events that started this Sunday (Nov.13th) with the 2nd annual ISA and Visual and Performing  Arts Department sponsored student art show titled "Youth in the Current". The show was followed by a forum overseen by the South Asian Students Association and Hillel which  discovered the varied cultural connotations of the swastika. As was discussed while the swastika is seen as a sign of Nazism and anti-semitism in the west, in the east,especially in Hinudism, it is actually a longstanding symbol of good luck (to be noted is that the two swastikas do vary slightly too). The even ended with a lesson in harmony through music courtesy of the Clark's all-female accapella team 'The Counterpoints'.

The days to follow Monday 11/4 -Wednesday 11/6 will see a myriad of discussion forums and activities being led by Clark Professors and other student groups and leaders. Forums such as a Professor Jeffrey Arnett's  'Adolescent Development and Emerging Adulthood in a Cross Cultural view", Bahai prayer practice, and the Black Student Union's forum on African-American representation in the 21st century will be open to all who wish to attend.

For a full list of events and participating clubs check out the Facebook page "International Journey Diversity Conference and Bazaar" or the find the schedule posted up on the first floor of the University Center 

At Present: Listening to, Pogo - Upular(Pixar Remix)  Wishing I was, working from my house (unfortuantely my laptop crashed and I'm library bound)