By Alejandra Hurtado

Spanish Editor

TJC will celebrate the upcoming 26th annual International Day with a celebration of cultural diversity.

“When I was first hired at TJC about 26 years ago, I noted that this college needs to have an International Day to broaden student’s view,” said Dr. Manouchehr Khosrowshahi, government professor, International Education Club sponsor and founder of International Day. “Now, International Day has a deep root at TJC campus and community.”

As part of the Arts Festival, International Day will be a part of the many events offered throughout the month of April across the TJC campus. It will be held at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Apr. 19 in the Apache Rooms at Rogers Student Center.

Admission to the event will be free and there will be plenty of door prizes, free food, drinks and musical shows for the public. Free books will also be available, while supplies last.

Dr. K, as colleagues and students fondly call Dr. Khosrowshahi, said that International Day is a celebration of art and culture, which brings communities together to learn from each other.

“I think it is a fun day and great learning experience, seeing the different performances from various countries,” said Isaiah Aldwin Erning, an International student from Indonesia.

Throughout the day, performances will include Folk Rajasthani (India), Middle East, Gambia, Hula, contemporary dances, African tribal dances and Latin dances, such as Salsa and Bachata mix. There will be a magic show, Charlie Chaplin impersonators, students playing classical guitar and violin, and the TJC Jazz band will perform. A fashion show will feature native dress from countries such as China, Mexico, Costa Rica, Egypt, India, Gambia, Turkey, Pakistan, Morocco, Lebanon and Thailand.

“We are going to have food, music, exhibits and educational opportunity in a non-threatening environment,” said Dr. K.

Around 40 to 50 countries will be represented in this event including Azerbaijan, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, England, Germany, Greece, Colombia, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Mexico, Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey and more.

“Everyone, international and non-international, is welcome to attend the event,” said Dr. K.

Ancestral origins are also part of this commemorative day at which some American students will represent their roots from different countries such as Ireland, England, France and some in Africa.

“Americans who like to explore different cultures, this is an excellent opportunity for them,” said International Student Coordinator Daisy LaRue.

Around 100 people, including student volunteers and members of the TJC community, are going to welcome around 3,000 visitors to this event.

“I expect it to be very successful like previous years,” said Dr. K, “good attendance, good shows, good exhibits … so, I have high standards and always get good results.”

Erning is interested in representing his country of Indonesia next year.

“I would love to I think I would enjoy teaching others about my beautiful country,” said Erning.

For more information about International Day, contact Dr. K at 903-510-2279 or by email at [email protected].