The International Student Club hosted its annual Exchange Luncheon on Friday, November 15. The purpose of the gathering was to invite others to share and celebrate the many cultures present at RWC. “We had this event so that people can receive a taste of other cultures,” Ashley Burckard, a member of the group said. “The food is a way to begin the process of bridging the cultural gap.”
Along with members of RWC’s faculty and staff, Professor of History William Baughin brought his “American Issues and Problems” class to share in the luncheon.
“I brought my class because they are studying foreign policies and different areas of the world. They are here to begin an interchange of ideas with others,” Professor Baughin said.
While tasting the many different flavors represented in the many different foods, Professor Baughin’s class of 35 sat and talked to members, in an attempt to gain insight into those cultures represented.
As the sounds of Merengue, a music derived from Hispanic culture, bounced off of the walls, it was evident that everyone was learning something new.
Blanche Headen, a student in Prof. Baughin’s class, spoke of her experience at the luncheon. “It gives me a chance to find out what things we [members of the International Student Club] have in common and, in most cases, what differences are present.” Headen went on to say, “I had an opportunity to speak with an international student from Honduras. She told me about some of the sights I should visit if I ever went to her country, like the Mayan Ruins, a main attraction.