A Carnival To Remember

International Student Association's first annual event

Campus Life > A Carnival To Remember
A Carnival To Remember

Anna Pipoyan and Nadya Fvlasova smiling after giving a great performance. 

Alexus Campbell

Grab a pina colada smoothie and dance along! The International Student Association (ISA) hosted its first annual event, the International Carnival, and it was a success!

As students filled the Maxine and Jack Lane Center of Academic Success (CAS) lobby at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, 2017, each student lined up to receive a wristband color of their choice.

ISA Treasurer Thayssa Silva and Secretary Joanna Kristine Ninal greeted students with bright smiles as they asked for either the student's Kean University ID card or ID number.

This hour-long event had students pressed against the windows of their classrooms, trying to catch a glimpse of the festivities below. As students walked to their destinations, they could not help but overlook or join the carnival to see what was going on.

When the opportunity came to speak to Director of Public Relations Marina Faustin, she noted that this event took a month of preparation. Faustin hopes that students learn to celebrate different cultures and get involved.

It sure did impress several students.

Sarah Wisniewski, a junior majoring in criminal justice, shared, "I thought it was really entertaining. This is my second semester here and I have to say this event was worth going to!"

This event was at its peek when surprise dancers, Anna Pipoyan and Nadya Fvlasova, widened the eyes of teachers and students. Not only could the crowd not take their eyes off of these ladies, but were able to join them! Students grabbed a hand and danced along to the loud music.

The goal sure was reached when Juana Turner, a freshman majoring in psychology, stated, "I just grabbed a hand and started dancing! I made two new friends within three minutes!"

Students found it difficult to ignore as they overlooked from the balcony of the second and third floors.

Once the dancing came to a halt, students immediately grabbed a handmade refreshing drink. At the Maui Wowi drink bar, students had the option of a pina colada or strawberry banana smoothie.

A member of the ISA, Ai Jin stated, "I think we show different cultures and I hope they learn from each other. Make a friend and learn about the world."

Member of ISA Marriam Saleem, a freshman majoring in accounting, hosted the game table where attendees lined up for a chance to win a takeout box filled with goodies.

Saleem said, "Kean is the school for diversity and that is what we show. We respect each other for our cultures and brought all of them together for others to enjoy!"

Ana Nieves from the Center of International Student Services excitingly shared, "This is the best by far I have seen for the past 20 years I have been working here. To see all of the students involved, participating, this is awesome!"

If students did not get the chance to enjoy this hour of fun, the International Student Association will host its next body meeting on Thursday, March 30, 2017 in CAS room 112. 


about the author

Alexus Campbell is a freshman majoring in communication with a concentration in journalism. She is a Staff Writer at The Cougar's Byte. She aspires to be a copy editor and/or an event consultant. Aside from working towards her dream, she enjoys cheerleading, doing yoga, blogging and singing her heart out in her car.