Brittany Maher, Editor-in-Chief
The International Students Association hosted its annual Ms. KSU International Pageant Friday to celebrate the diverse array of cultures, countries and students on campus.
Eighteen contestants graced the stage, representing 18 different countries including The Bahamas, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Finland, Germany, Guyana, Haiti, India, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, England and the United States. Each contestant showcased their respective countries along with their talents.
The winners of the Ms. KSU International Pageant include Ms. Guyana, Elizabeth Dundee in first place, Ms. Italy Audrey Faulkner in second place and Ms. Bahamas Blaire Johnson in third place.
International Festival Coordinator Amy Hydara’s goal for the pageant was to encourage people to learn about cultures all over the world in a fun, unique way.
“You get to learn about the countries from a first-hand perspective,” said Hydara. “It’s unique from other pageants in that it’s all about culture and the contestants actually take the time to reflect both their talents and their countries.”
The planning for the pageant begins two months before the competition. “I scout out exchange students that come into the International Student Center and encourage them to enter in the pageant,” said Hydara. “Once they enter, they practice with the executive board twice a week for two months.”
The pageant’s contestants recount their experience preparing for the pageant as both fun and stressful.
“For the pageant, it’s a lot of fun because you get to meet a lot of different girls from different countries,” said Ms. Philippines Monique Guinocor, a sophomore nursing major.
“It was stressful at times,” said Ms. Nigeria Deborah Matthew, a freshman mathematics major. “I actually fell off my chair while I was doing my hair for the pageant.”
For those who attended the event, the pageant offered a new perspective into the multi-cultural lives of KSU students.
“It’s an opportunity to showcase different cultures, talents and charisma,” said Ruth Lauture, a senior marketing major and first-generation Haitian-American. “Regardless of their status, what’s most important is the ability to educate the audience through interpretive dance, storytelling, singing, etc. These young ladies have the opportunity to shed light of their country despite what’s portrayed in the media.”
Not only did the event give contestants the opportunity to showcase their talents, it also gave them the chance to veer away from stereotypes related to their culture.
“It’s important to honor international students,” said Lauture. “They’ve come a long way to build a better future for themselves and their family. I give them all the credit for leaving their comfort zone, and being away from home. You get the opportunity to hear one’s experiences and the common stereotypes associated with their country. The pageant is more of an educational experience that was both entertaining and amusing.”