Written by Michelle Makool
The Multicultural Student Action Committee hosted an International Tea Tasting on Thursday, Nov. 18, when approximately 22 gallons of tea were distributed to the student body.The event featured five different types of teas that were bought from a tea store in Nashville, Tenn. Members of the committee selected teas from different areas around the world: China Chai, Honey Bush, Sweet Tea, Ginger Peach and Mandarin Chamomile.”We chose the [teas] we did because they just seemed to offer a good variety of teas, both local and international,” Leah Crowder, president of MSAC, said. Because the committee strives to expose the student body to a variety of cultures, Crowder said they thought a tea tasting would be a way to offer students flavors from around the world.”Tea is such an international beverage and a great way to let students participate in a small way with many different cultures,” Crowder said.One of the goals of the tea tasting was to spread the word about MSAC. In order to do this, the committee ordered shirts to sell at the booth.”No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive” was one of the quotes selected by the committee to be displayed on some of the shirts.The other goal of the committee was to provide tea to the student body.”One [main goal], is simply to offer tea to the student body because it is such a universal and healthy drink,” Crowder said. “It is good for the mind and the body, and we were hoping that a cup of tea could brighten the day of students who are stressed and rushing about with tests and other responsibilities.”Members of the committee were at the booth in order to offer students the tea and talk with them about the MSAC.”I think the tea tasting was a great idea to display aspects of culture since food is one of the greatest aspects of many cultures,” MSAC member junior Andrea Ledesma said.The MSAC is also planning an event for the student body to come together and build gingerbread houses on Dec. 9. Contact Leah Crowder for more information.
