麻豆原创 (NCWU) and are joining forces once again to bring the world a little closer to home. As part of RMA鈥檚 ongoing mission to develop cultural awareness and global appreciation among its students, NCWU international students were invited to take part in the school鈥檚 annual International Week celebration.
This partnership, now in its second year, blends education, culture, and connection in a way that benefits both institutions and the wider community. Last year, NCWU鈥檚 International Bishop Association (IBA) President, Gabriela Salazar, cooked and presented food from her home country of Venezuela, inspiring RMA students to think globally and celebrate cultural diversity. The collaboration was such a success that RMA extended their invitation for this year鈥檚 International Week.
Over the summer, Renee Barbour, RMA鈥檚 Director of Global Awareness, and Dawn Turner, NCWU鈥橲 Director of International Student Services, met to discuss how to strengthen the partnership. Together, they developed a plan that would allow students from both schools to share their cultures in meaningful and interactive ways.
RMA students kicked things off with a heartwarming fundraiser to purchase welcome gifts, including composition books, snacks, and essentials for all new international students arriving to Wesleyan鈥檚 campus this fall. students carefully packed and decorated each bag, and Ms. Barbour personally delivered them to campus.
鈥淥ur new Bishops were thrilled to receive these thoughtful welcome bags, 鈥渟aid Caroline Modlin, Graduate Assistant and IBA Advisor. 鈥淚t鈥檚 awesome to see young students taking such an active role in promoting kindness, curiosity, and global connection.鈥
This fall, NCWU international students returned the gesture by visiting RMA to present to the school鈥檚 third and fourth grade classes. Students from around the world shared stories, traditions, and artifacts from their home countries. Tara Philips represented Ireland. Ivy Joy represented Kenya. Ifeoma Joy represented Nigeria. Ksenia Goncharuk represented Russia. Antoine Moerlen represented France. Omar Abukheit represented Jordan.
The event, coordinated by Dawn Turner and Caroline Modlin, in partnership with Renee Barbour, offered RMA students a chance to engage directly with global cultures. Together, RMA and NCWU are proving that global awareness begins right here in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
