The week of Nov. 17-21 was International Student week. During this event, it was a time for the international students to share their cultures, food, art, and customs with everyone else throughout the school.

On Monday an African Food fundraiser was held. On Tuesday, the movie “Caravan” played. Wednesday was the Art and Culture Festival. Thursday was the African Presentations, and Friday marked the festive dance.

On Thursday, the African Presentation was held in a conference room in the student center where people gathered around a large table and intently listened to the speakers.

SMSU junior Andreen Dawson was one of the speakers that informed the audience about her home country, things it had to offer, and what she missed.

Andreen’s home country is Jamaica, where she moved from in fall of 2012. During her slide show presentation, she told the crowd of a few facts about Jamaica, such as that it is one of two flags in the world that doesn’t have the colors red, white, or blue, they are home to the fastest running female and male of the world, there are thirteen parishes (similar to states), they provide the ninth best tasting coffee in the world, the population is 2.7 million, and they had electricity before the United States.

“I enjoy the change of weather here,” Andreen said about what she likes most about the United States. “In Jamaica it was always hot. I like autumn and spring time, and seeing how things can change.”

What does Andreen miss about Jamaica?

“I really miss the food and the beaches!” Andreen said.

Even though she’s so far away from home, she said that she goes back to Jamaica every summer and most Christmas breaks to celebrate with her family and friends.

Next time there’s an International Student week, all SMSU students are encouraged to attend and participate in at least one of the activities in order to learn more about fellow students and where they came from.

If you would like to join the International Student Organization, you can go into their office SC207 and ask them more about their group and what they do around the school.