A call to culture: Mary Washington students have the world at their fingertips and should take advantage of events

by ADAM BRITTON

Staff Writer

In today’s increasingly globalized world, understanding and appreciating cultural diversity is more important than ever. The University of Mary Washington offers dozens of cultural events each school year, and students should actively participate in these events to understand how they can profoundly impact personal growth and open their eyes to new perspectives. Attending cultural events can create life-long memories with their peers, faculty and staff. These events can also raise awareness about the importance of cultural programming and encourage greater participation from both the campus and the community.

Most of these events are free and open to the public, like the Multicultural Fair, which the university hosts annually every April. This year, the Multicultural Fair will take place on April 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“I think it’s always important for any student to take advantage of any programmatic opportunities on campus,” said Chris Williams, Assistant Director of the James Farmer Multicultural Center. “Particularly cultural programming, because many of us come from different areas around, not just the Commonwealth of Virginia, but around the country.” 

Attending cultural events allows students to learn about and appreciate these differences, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic community. One of the key benefits of participating in cultural events is the opportunity to expand one’s horizons beyond what many students’ perspectives of the world around them, but also themselves. 

These events feature a variety of activities, from dancing and singing to sharing historical and cultural knowledge. In doing so providing a comprehensive and engaging way for students to learn about different cultures.

“One aspect of it is being mindful that people may have different driving forces for why they’re doing and why they’re showing up in college, and some of those are tied to cultural experiences.” said Michael Middleton, Director of Campus Recreation.

While events such as the Multicultural Fair highlight the importance of a global community, they also emphasize the importance of a campus community.

“Some students note that college can be lonely, and with that, we often have to take the risk of putting ourselves out there, introducing ourselves, trying something new,” said Emily Crosby, assistant professor of communication. “I encourage students to join a club, or go see a theater production. To not only diversify your experiences, but to also find your own hobbies, your own interests and finding your own people. But it often starts with just showing up and trying something and hopefully curriculum and communication,” 

Middleton echoed that sentiment. He cited Taste of Asia, a celebration which UMW hosts each fall that consists of various performances and foods, as an impactful event that he attended his first year as a student at UMW.

“My first year [at Taste of Asia], I got to see a student organization that’s unfortunately no longer here at the University, but is near and dear to my heart, called UMW Breakers. I got to watch them first perform at that cultural celebration. There is connection between the breakdancing community and a lot of different countries in Asia, so that collaboration is something that people maybe didn’t expect, but makes sense. Watching that and being present to see that made me excited and energized to join that student organization,” Middleton said.  

This experience not only sparked his interest in breakdancing but also led to lifelong friendships and leadership opportunities. Such experiences demonstrate how cultural events can inspire students to explore new interests and develop skills that extend beyond the classroom.

“As you connect with these areas, you’re going to grow, you’re going to learn,” Middleton said. “So it’s a two-way street that gets created, and hopefully it’s one that gets created for longevity.” 

Understanding and appreciating different cultures is essential for fostering a sense of community and inclusivity on campus. How it emphasizes that cultural awareness helps students develop empathy and respect for diverse perspectives. This, in turn, enhances their ability to connect with peers from different backgrounds and navigate the complexities of a multicultural world.

Actively engaging with diverse experiences can expand students’ intellect and social networks, to encourage students to lean into the horizons of their comfort zones and embrace the diversity that college life offers.