Junior public relations major Sarah Janiga shares her views and experiences of campus events in the weekly blog for DN_Campus.
I traveled around the world in four hours last week — impressive, right? Actually, more than 1,500 students did the same thing, exploring new foods and cultural activities Thursday evening at the second annual Amazing Taste. This was a wonderful way to end Cultural Week at Ball State.
The first thing I saw was the camels on the front lawn of the L.A. Pittenger Student Center. The camel handler told me that his camels were from Indiana. Did you know it is illegal in the United States to import camels from other countries?
The night of cultural celebration was sponsored by Ball State University Dining, the Rinker Center for International Programs, the Multicultural Center, and University Program Board, with additional support from Housing and Residence Life and the Student Government Association. Volunteers from Outdoor Pursuits and Cardinal Corps also attended.
After getting my wristband, I was able to eat foods from more than 20 different countries. Since I come from Hammond, Ind., bordering the south side of Chicago, I had to get a Chicago-style hotdog from the Americas. I also enjoyed the feiojada (meat and black bean stew) and Brazilian rice.
It was really nice to see so many people gathering to support one another in celebrating their cultural backgrounds. I loved the Scottish dancers and bagpipers. I saw many of my friends in the global fashion show, like Khalid Fazly of Afghanistan, Farangis Nozimoda and Ganjina Dustova of Tajikistan. Christiona Darris and Olivia Adcock performed with the BSU Belly Dancing Club.
The resource fair had an abundance of information booths to explore. The Ball State University Libraries booth played music, such as "Arabic Groove" from the cultural record label Putumayo. Emily Mastroanni of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies and the Social Justice League sold jewelry from Bead for Life (beadforlife.org), made by Ugandan women, war refugees and HIV-positive mothers. The Counseling Center promoted International Conversation hour and gave out free highlighters. The Muncie Public Libraries signed students up for library cards.
I helped run the table for Rotaract, the university chapter of Rotary International. I also got to chat with President Jo Ann Gora. I told her I really enjoyed the night's festivities.
A special thanks to Trevor Foley, program coordinator for the Rinker Center, for allowing the DN_Campus team to live tweet the event and for letting Rotaract share its message of "Service above Self."
This summer, Dining Services earned a silver award in the national L.E. Horton Dining Awards competition sponsored by the National Association of College and University Food Service. Next time, I think dining deserves a gold medal.
Events to check out this week
Monday: David Axelrod, one of President Obama's closest advisers, speaks at 7 p.m. in Emens Auditorium
Tuesday: Cynthia Prime, co-Founder of Saving Orphans through Healthcare and Outreach, speaks at 7:30 p.m. in Letterman Building Room 125
Wednesday: Luis Cueva shares information about his home country of Peru during a presentation at noon in Student Center Room 102
Friday: Friday Night Filmworks presents "The Change Up" at 9 p.m. in Pruis Hall
Sunday: Pianist Ron Chioldi plays at noon at Sursa Hall
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