For me, November 10-19th wasn't the typical 10 day challenge. It was Le-Laf and International Week. As a member of the Lehigh community, my spirits were high as it was the perfect week to show some extra school spirit. In addition, as an ambassador for the Global Union I had the opportunity to participate in a few events that bring an international voice to campus.
I signed up to volunteer for "Friendsgiving," which is an event hosted by the Global Union that consists of people from all different backgrounds and cultures coming together to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. Most importantly, the environment fosters a space for conversations between people with different perspectives. I volunteered to run the kids room where I supervised younger kids who came to the event. I ended up meeting 3 young kids from China who did not speak much English. Fortunately, I do speak Mandarin and quickly I began to discover that the kids felt more comfortable around me. Typically, I don't feel 100% immersed in the Chinese community as I am sometimes looked at to be a more Americanized individual. The fact that I got along so well with the kids and I had a rare chance to practice my Mandarin at Lehigh was heartwarming.
Later on in the week, the day of the Lehigh vs. Lafayette game, for the first time, the Global Union planned a flag parade following Lehigh's Marching '97 prior to the game. Lehigh's student body is represented by roughly 70 nations and 60 of those nations were represented in the flag parade, by students from those respective places. This event is important to the Lehigh community because it not only demonstrates our diversity, but also how regardless of our differences we all have a common thread: Lehigh. In a time of divide, where it is difficult to see community and togetherness, events that bring us together are ones with great value.
And of course, Le-laf ended with Lehigh's win over Lafayette. I can't say that I didn't see that one coming.
Humayun's Tomb (New Delhi) | Humayun's tomb is a complex of … | Flickr
