International Student Month Highlights Diversity and Unity
For many years, the Upper School has hosted an International Student Week, celebrating the many countries and cultures represented among the student body. This year, the international students, along with International Student Advisor Erin Rainwater (US’95, C’99) and International Student Programming Director Michelle Bland (C’98), put together a more in-depth and sustained exploration of global topics, resulting in International Student Month.
Following an impactful discussion led by Principia College Professor of Sociology Dr. Billy Miller, students crafted a statement about their vision and chosen theme for the month: “No one thing defines us.”
“Where I am born, what languages I speak, what I look like, the sports team I cheer for, the music I listen to, and so much more, contribute to who I am and what I offer the world,” they wrote. “The ability to understand that ‘No one thing defines us’ helps us make space for each other, value our differences as strengths, and pave the way for meaningful, diverse relationships.”
A Monday chapel talk titled “Wealth vs. Riches”—delivered by seniors Natalie Kablay (Botswana) and Simon Karega (Kenya) and junior Ure Okike (Nigeria)—kicked off the month’s events. “It delivered an outstanding, simple message,” says Head of School Travis Brantingham (US’94, C’98), adding that “International Month has been a huge success from my vantage point—with all of our students embracing new cultures and perspectives.” (View the students’ chapel—fast forward to 8:40.)
“I have noticed a tremendous number of people showing a lot more interest” in international topics, remarks Natalie. “This month's events have made me feel very supported and represented. Since I am the only person here from Botswana, it is easy to feel like I don’t belong, but many people have come to me asking more questions, showing me that they want to know more.”
Students and members of the local Principia community had a range of ways to participate in International Student Month. For example, a Global Ideas Discussion Series, held on four consecutive Tuesdays, presented an array of topics to spark interest in and awareness of international cultures, ideas, and issues. It included a student-led discussion of a TED talk by Nigerian artist, lawyer, and human rights activist Laolu Senbanjo; interactive sessions on global citizenship (facilitated by Dr. Sally Steindorf, head of the Global Studies Program at the College) and cultural influences (led by ELL teacher Bland); and a spirited discussion of the embrace of Africanism in the hit movie Black Panther, led by Professor Miller.
Here are other highlights from the month:
- The sharing of national anthems, slideshows, attire, flags, and cuisine from our students’ home countries—Mondays were international dress days; Wednesday meals featured our international students’ favorite recipes from home; and anthems and slideshows were shared during Upper School morning meetings.
- Specially designed shirts sporting the month’s theme—They are available for purchase at this link, with all proceeds supporting international programming.
- An art and poetry competition—“Submissions showed depth, courage, and the beauty of connecting to the diversity among us all,” noted the organizers. Winners will be announced next week.
- A Global Knowledge Challenge—International students created the challenge using the interactive presentation tool NearPod.
- An internationally themed party and “dance-off”—Featuring homemade food and international music, the party rounds out International Student Month.