By Ryan Lallo
CCC Journalism Program
Camden County College will hold its annual International Day on April 19 on the Blackwood campus and April 20 on the
Camden campus. The event will be an opportunity for students to show aspects of their cultures and to learn about aspects of other students’ cultures.
“Ignorance creates fear. We need to learn about each other. We need to be proud of our cultural background regardless of where we came from,” said Professor Stella Sytnik, who is organizing the event. “Events like International Day enable us to celebrate our differences.”
At International Day, many students will be displaying their cultures, traditions and pictures from the countries of their heritage. There will be food from the students’ cultures, a fashion show displaying styles of clothing from around the world and a talent show exhibiting the performance skills of participants.
Camden County College student Stephanie Portella attended the event in the past and said about it, “It was an eye-opener for me to see how diverse our college really is. I learned so much just from attending the event one time and it made me want to continue learning about other cultures. I think it also helps with discrimination and it brings the students together to share their cultures and learn about each other.”
Student Danielle Price also visited the event in the past and said about it, “I just so happened to walk in on the event by mistake and ended up having so much fun. It was so enlightening and inspiring to see all these people from different backgrounds coming together for a common cause. It was surprisingly extremely educational and I made a few friends I might not have made if I didn’t happen upon the event.”
International Day will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 19 in the Connector Atrium on the Blackwood campus and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 20 in the College Hall Courtyard on the Camden campus. Those interested in participating in the talent or fashion show should email Sytnik at ssytnik@faculty.camdencc.edu or call the International Students Service Center at 856-374-4543.