International students gathered for a Thanksgiving celebration that encouraged students to connect and share food from their home countries. This year’s celebration took place on Friday, Nov. 21, in front of the MLK room. Platters of food ranging from sushi to mozzarella sticks filled the fall-decorated atrium, each representing a student in the international community.
The international community at the high school is made up of class advisers, students and ambassadors. Ambassadors are students who show international students the ins and outs, as well as organize events for the community.
Katy Ouellette, international student adviser, has been part of the international program for 19 years. She said the event has always been a central part of her work and is key to creating meaningful connections in the community.
“[The event] brings students together outside the classroom to share an American tradition with an international twist,” Ouellette said. “It’s a space where students can connect, share their culture and feel at home.”
Ouellette said she hopes the event will eventually expand to include families as well, because families also deserve opportunities to support one another and share their experiences.
“We have a lot of events and meetings about academics and how the high school works, but [parents are] also interested in the social aspect,” Ouellette said. “I think there are a lot of thoughts on parents’ minds, and when they hear from other people that they’re going through the same thing, it’s very reassuring. So there is definitely a need for expanding this.”
Though he has never been an international student, junior Anderson Tsai plays an active role as a student ambassador. Tsai found this program while searching for leadership opportunities and said that being an ambassador was an opportunity to use his knowledge of the high school.
“[Ambassadors is] a really cool way to meet new students and teach people more about BHS,” Tsai said. “I know a lot about BHS; all the little nooks and crannies. I love showing my knowledge to all the people and teaching them more about it.”
Tsai said that he sees the impact of the ambassadors program when he notices new students joining clubs, sports and activities they might not have discovered otherwise.
Katya Babitskaya, who also works with the international advisory, said that the event strengthens the community by bridging cultures and creating shared experiences. Babitskaya said that clubs are a great way for international students to familiarize themselves with English and to meet others.
“From my own experience, the more you speak, the more comfortable you become,” Babitskaya said. “So don’t close up, go out, join clubs. We push international students and ELL students to join different clubs so they can practice.”
