Embracing a Global Identity

BY ASHLEY RABINOVITCH, Writer

Photo above: Helia Nahidi ’20 from Iran & Canran Xue ’20 from China

At Lower Canada College, the world comes to the doorstep. International students, who represent 22 percent of the 2019–2020 student body, hail from 41 countries of origin and speak 26 languages. Beyond the classroom, through co-curricular activities, they’re discovering unique opportunities to celebrate their cultures and help their peers become more globally inclusive and aware.

Throughout the 2019 –2020 academic year, international students participated in a monthly video series that showcased the cultural richness they bring to life at LCC. Canran Xue ’20 and Tamar Levy ’20, the grade 11 diversity heads who produce the videos, invite their fellow students to weigh in on topics like cuisine, local slang, and the holidays and festivals they celebrate. “We try to make these videos appealing to the entire school, so that everyone can learn something new and interesting about their peers,” says Tamar. “At first we were nervous about doing justice to everyone’s culture, but we’ve received nothing but positive feedback.”

Every student at LCC, whether local or international, has a seat at the table.

Elshaday Yimer ’23 from Ethopia & Oluwagbemiga (Gigi) Sosina ’23 from Nigeria

In addition to the ongoing video series, special co-curricular events allow international and local students alike to appreciate a cultural tradition that may be unfamiliar to them. In January, the student body celebrated Chinese New Year. “I felt so proud to be able to speak to an audience about my cultural heritage,” says Canran. She and Tamar joined students from diverse backgrounds in a lineup of activities that included writing Chinese characters, learning proper chopstick technique, and playing educational games.

Luke Wilkinson ’20 from the United Kingdom

In February, Canran and Tamar rallied their fellow students to celebrate Black History Month in weekly assemblies by honouring key figures who helped shape Canadian history. They also envision a school fair that invites international students and their parents to set up booths displaying elements of their home culture.

The diversity head position, a role created two years ago as part of Grad Pride, is filled by different grade 11 students every year. While the leadership will change, the mission remains the same. Special events, assembly videos and co-curriculars pave a two-way street for global learning. “It’s great to see students embracing their cultural differences and learning from each other,” affirms Veronica Kost ’09, an LCC counsellor who provides support to the diversity heads. “These activities reinforce the value of inclusivity that we try to impart. Every student at LCC, whether local or international, has a seat at the table.”