Amidst the routine of homework, tests, and classes, ICU Day reminds us of what is sometimes easy to forget: our school is made up of stories from all over the world. On December 23rd, the Inter-Cultural Unity Club returned with its annual showcase of performances and events, showing off the unique identities that make up the Wheatley community.
As Wheatley students entered the building on the last day before the break, they could hear members of the chorale singing in the commons. They were greeted by welcome signs in Chinese, Spanish, French, Arabic, and several other languages. Streamers and banners that members of the ICU Club spent countless hours preparing decorated the school. Peers in the ICU Club replaced their pajamas and regular Wheatley attire with elegant, traditional clothing that represented their heritage.
Students gathered in the auditorium where the Co-Presidents Ophelia Ching and Robert Marasia took them all over the world to see the different songs and dances that represent various countries. Students performed the Bhangra and K-Pop dances, sang traditional songs, spoke in their country’s native languages, and walked in a fashion show. Students and teachers collaborated with each other and captured the enriching culture of countries including China, Korea, India, Pakistan, France, Thailand, Italy, Peru, and the United States of America.
Following the performances, was the ICU Luncheon. Wheatley students brought their favorite cultural dishes and welcomed others to taste them, allowing them to enjoy the diversity of our school through our different cuisine. Other members of the ICU Club organized activities and stations, where they gave each other traditional henna tattoos, decorated gingerbread houses, and played special games.
What makes ICU Day special is the community that it has allowed Wheatley to cultivate with its students. Students are proud of their backgrounds and are comfortable with these personal expressions of their home, family, and identity. It provides them with the opportunity to honor their traditions, while allowing others who are curious to learn more recognize the various ways that our society is connected to one another. This mutual respect for learning each other’s cultures creates a genuine appreciation for one another, ultimately uniting our community.
The vulnerability and pride of students sharing their backgrounds creates a unique atmosphere for informative interactions to take place. Compared to other schools, where cultural events may not feel as diverse, Wheatley’s ICU stands out because it is immersive and thoroughly inclusive. Wheatley invites students and gives them the space to comfortably share their identities.
Despite the struggles of managing the ICU Club and holding rehearsals in advance to December 23rd, remaining united through these performances are an important part of the Wheatley community. Organizing these school events creates a mindful environment, where students are open to learning from one another’s cultural experiences. It serves as a reminder that it is essential to be respectful and understanding towards each other’s backgrounds in order to peacefully live in our vastly diverse society.
The celebrations of our diversity on ICU Day are not something to be acknowledged just once a year. They serve as a reminder that our culture is something that should be valued every day. While our food, clothing, languages, and traditions may differ from one another, we share the same halls, classrooms, and community. Through listening, learning, and celebrating each other, ICU Day strengthens the bonds between us and the value of culture.
