By Matti Bray

On Tuesday, Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) held its 9th Annual International Day in the Johnson Event Center in Colloms.

International Day started in 2014 and, except for a brief pause due to the pandemic, has occurred every spring semester since. There were 29 tables at the recent event; different countries represented 26 and three were represented by clubs at TWU.

Dr. Augustin Bocco, a professor at TWU, hosted his own table for his native Togo.

“Tennessee Wesleyan looks very small, but has a lot of internationals that come to this campus, so we are doing this to showcase who we are,” stated Dr. Bocco when asked why International Day was created. He also explained that it is to “show the diversity” within such a small school and town.

The students got to set up and decorate their own tables with whoever else was representing their country. Although most of the countries represented were done by people from that country, some students represented countries they’re not from for a class. Most students made poster boards, brought food, showed videos, wore clothes from their cultures, and so much more!

All students, international or not, were able to walk around and learn about all the different tables set up. There was also an ‘Choose Blue’ event on the same day. ‘Choose Blue’ was an open house for prospective incoming students to see a day in the life of a student and to see the campus. Therefore, the tour guides were able to bring prospective students up to see what was going on and to allow them to see just how diverse this school is.  

There were also live performances held during the event. A student, Ella, presented a song from Guatemala. Following after, there was a dance performed by a local dance coach, Jessie (along with his wife). After the dance performance, the students got to join in and learn a few dance moves.

Throughout the day, students, staff, and visitors could vote for which country’s table was best. Even though all the tables were excellent, only three were announced as the best. Third place was Canada, second place was Spain, and the best table was… Argentina!

Edited by Baylie Davis
Photos by T’evon Shuler