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Global Community serves tea, learns about cultures

Nov. 20, 2009

Trent Goldston
Staff Writer

Students in the Global Community Living and Learning Center held a special event at Brooks Flats Thursday night that recreated tea ceremonies from countries around the world.

Beth Walker, international student relations coordinator for international student and scholar services, said this event is a quintessential example of the opportunities for students involved in the Global Community Living and Learning Center.

"The Global Community Living and Learning Center here in Brooks Flats puts language learning and cultural experiences together," Walker said. "This event is special because the students are taking the lead."

The event was attended by students from all reaches of campus. The students were split into groups and seated at six different tables, each of which represented a different nation from around the globe. China, Costa Rica, England, Ethiopia, Thailand and the United States were all represented.

Each table was adorned with the unique beverages and serving devices from that nation, and had the country's flag draped from the ceiling. Tables were led by a host, who would discuss the available beverage, its nutritional benefits, serving custom, history and cultural significances. Students would rotate tables so everyone was able to try each of the teas.

Jennifer Perkins, the coordinator for living and learning programs, said the Global Community was started last year, and has been successful in recruiting students dedicated to the program.

"We have roughly 45 students currently," Perkins said. "Our goal for next year is (to have) over 50, and we (would) like to do even more in the future."

Perkins said the Global Community gives students a unique opportunity to get a world prospective while studying at Baylor. Perkins said that being cultured is important this day in age more than ever.

"I think [the benefits] are multifold," Perkins said. "The mission of the university is to prepare its students for worldwide service. This is often a stepping stone to study abroad programs."

Perkins said that students in the Global Community have the opportunity to make connections with alumni in the Baylor Global Network.

Dallas junior Makenzi Epps said being a part of the Global Community has been one of the best decisions she has made at Baylor.

"I joined when it first started," Epps said. "I love the Global Community. I'm coming back as a senior. That really says something."

Epps explained that the Global Community is a great place for students pursuing a career abroad.

"It's awesome being around people who are interested in the same topics as you," Epps said. "People just as motivated."

Perkins said anyone interested in joining the Global Community should consider it.

"We are currently accepting applications," Perkins said. "[Global Community students] have a lot of opportunities."

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