International meet-and-greet at Capitol
Photo provided
International student Qi Wang and English as a Second Language professor Abra Figeuroa speak with Shane Jett, International Development and International Trade Rules committee chairman. International students from around the state had the chance to meet-and-greet, and be recognized, at the State Capitol March 24 for International Student Awareness Day. Ninety-two countries were represented and seven of OCCC’s 442 international students attended the event. There also was entertainment from singers and dancers as patrons ate lunch. The varieties of food ranged from Asian cuisine to the Italian favorite pizza.
By Sarah Penrod, News Writing Student
March 24 was International Student Awareness Day at the State Capitol in the House of Representatives.
Seven of OCCC’s 442 international students attended. About 500 international high school and college students gathered there.
After all the legislator seats were filled, students were still pouring in. There were so many students that at least 50 were left standing in the aisles.
Chris Benge, speaker of the House of Representatives, and Jari Askins, lieutenant governor, welcomed the students.
Abra Figueoa, OCCC English as a Second Language professor, said the most important part of the day was the naming of the countries.
It was an opportunity for each student to express their pride for their native land.
Shane Jett, International Development and International Trade Rules committee chairman, called out each country that was represented.
When a student’s country was called, students would wave, shout, stand up and show pride.
There were 92 countries represented that day. Six countries were represented from OCCC.
After that, it was time for mingling and entertainment. Singers and dancers put on a show while everyone was meeting and greeting.
Lunch was served in the hallways of the Capitol. There was really no place to sit so everyone just stood around and ate.
The many different varieties of food included everything from Asian to pizza.
OCCC student Nawal Hayavi, from Iran, said it was “amazing.” She said she would return next year.
Another OCCC student Tony Tian, from China, said he met some friends he already knew from another school.
The event is in its 16th year.
