I-House celebrates Mexico

April 30 brought the last of the school year's Friday Fest, a long-standing International House (I-House) tradition that allows students to learn about the home countries of our International students. The final Friday Fest showcased Mexico, familiar territory for many American students. Several Mexican students provided a personal explanation of the country's different areas, entertainment, and fun facts. Mexico was divided into six different parts: The North, South and Gulf, Yucatan Peninsula, Pacific Coast, and Baja California. Students from, or familiar with, the areas gave own explanations of the lifestyle and geographic makeup of their respective parts of the country.

The audience was also provided with fun facts, and comedic entertainment as Mexican students spoke with enthusiasm and provided pictures and information with their presentation. Things like where Tequila comes from - Guadalajara Jalisco, and only Jalisco in order to be called Tequila - to the world's smallest volcano (13 meters long) were mentioned in the presentation, giving UNCG students a unique perspective to their neighboring country. Topics like sports, particularly soccer or "futbol," were thoroughly covered as a source of entertainment, as well as local actors, comedians, and musicians.

As the presentation ended students lined up for traditional Mexican food. Things like guacamole, quesadillas, mole - a traditional sauce used in chicken - and flan were served. Among the chatter in line for food was discussion of the presentation. UNCG student Manuel Reyes shared his enthusiasm for the discussion on soccer in Mexico, and discussed the importance of the I-House's traditional Friday Fest, with special attention to the day's presentation: "You promote cultural awareness in UNCG, especially because the U.S. and Mexico are so close." Another local student and resident of the I-House, Nicole Wright, continued to speak on the importance of Friday Fest to the UNCG community. Nicole noted that Friday Fest is, "A really easy way to meet people from other countries and ask them questions. It's a comfortable environment." She also discussed her enthusiasm for the songs and dance that come with most country presentations.

As the school year comes to a close UNCG students are continually exposed to surrounding cultures and lifestyles, influencing their school experience before the summer months.