No one born in the nineteenth century would believe how interconnected society would become. It’s remarkable that someone from the vast corners of Asia can communicate with someone in North America at a moment’s notice. This is the reality of the world we live in, which necessitates a need to recognize how intertwined we are as individuals and communities, and Saint Louis School’s International Club does just that.
The International Club serves a distinct purpose to bring together students of different cultures and foster an understanding of the interconnectedness of our world. Ms. Hsiao Chen, the International Club Advisor, feels this is paramount. “If you don’t understand, there’s no further conversation because many kids, especially in Hawaii, keep to our little bubbles,” she explains. The International Club engages in several activities throughout the year to bring this purpose to fruition. These activities include cultural exchange opportunities with other schools abroad, traveling to other countries, and international food samplings.
The International Club has hosted two indigenous Taiwanese filmmakers and a Taiwanese choir throughout the past semester. The filmmakers – Laha Mebow and Aephie Chen – shared their unique experiences growing up in Taiwan with students. The second filmmaker seemed to resonate most with members of the club. Matthew Lee, a senior in the International Club, said about Aephie Chen’s visit, “She is introducing Taiwanese culture globally and opening our eyes to it.’’
Learning about different cultures goes beyond a presentation; it can also be done through music and collaborative experiences. This explains the indigenous Taiwanese choir that performed for the International Club in August. They performed various songs that related to the origin of their tribes, which demonstrated the pride they had in their culture. As Chen says, “Music’s a universal language.” The choir reflects the International Club’s purpose, creatively expressing the world’s interconnectedness.
Although everyone may not be an official member of the International Club, the club’s purpose of recognizing how interconnected we are as a society can be applied to all. “It just helps students have a broader perspective of other people’s experiences,” says Sammy Hollier, a sophomore and International Club member. Traveling to other countries is an example of this recognition. “There’s a big difference between understanding that new food exists and actually tasting it,” explains Hollier. By traveling to other countries, one can physically experience a different culture incomparable to just learning about it.
What does the future hold for Saint Louis School’s International Club? Chen is looking to expand the club and hopes its efforts will foster the mindset needed to be “global citizens.” As the International Club flourishes, more students may unlock the doors to becoming global citizens, ready to connect and inspire worldwide.
