Multicultural students prepare for upcoming event

On Friday, Nov. 16, the International Student Council is hosting the Mr. and Ms. International Pageant in celebration of Utah State University’s multicultural week.

This year the pageant features eight international students, each belonging to USU’s multicultural clubs.

“The pageant is the favorite event,” said ISC vice president, Geraldine Del La Mota V. “It is the finale to multicultural week.”

According to De La Mota V, the purpose of the pageant is to unite the international students as well as expose USU domestic students to various cultures.

“It is more like a talent show than an actual pageant,” said ISC chairman Sampson Largo. “We expect every club to be there.”

Participants voluntarily sign up to perform a music or dance number in traditional attire that represents their country.

“They do it because it is fun and because they want to celebrate being an international student.” Largo said. “Because each country is so diverse, you can expect the show will have a lot of variety.”

Junior Jawahir Ahmed and five of her friends are performing an African and Middle Eastern musical number. Ahmed believes it is important for people to know about her culture.

“I have never seen or heard of students participating from Somalia,” Ahmed said. “This pageant gives me an opportunity to represent my country.”

The winner is decided upon multiple factors including the student’s participation in multicultural week, a question and answer, their performance and an essay.

Upon winning the award, students are required to attend all the multicultural events and assist with any club activities.

“I am the most nervous about the question and answer portion,” Ahmed said. “It is hard to answer a question on the spot and I am afraid I won’t be able to give the judges the answer they are looking for.”

Although Ahmed hopes to win, she considers participating a major accomplishment.

“It has been on my bucket list for a long time,” Ahmed said. “If I win that is just a bonus.”

Most performers share Ahmed’s view of the pageant, including sophomore Harris Wang who will be performing a traditional Japanese song.

“I think this is a great opportunity to introduce my country and I hope more people will become interested in the Japanese culture.”

Although the show is concentrated on international students, the pageant is also popular among USU domestic students.

“We work really hard to advertise the event,” De La Mota V said. “And we usually have a great turnout.”