The aromas of cooking meat and foreign spices wafted through the humid, stagnant air, filling each visitor’s nose with scents from around the world. Individuals from all walks of life gathered there that day: intrigued elderly, astounded school children, curious newborns, captivated parents. Occasions like the Festival of Nations are not to be missed. The possibility of learning is too considerable to pass up. Yet what was needed there that day were more Westminster students.

The Festival of Nations brought thousands of people together to listen, eat, smell, touch, and marvel. With food booths, crafts tables, hand-made goods, and talented performers, individuals from all over the world assembled at Tower Grove Park last Saturday, August 25, 2013, and Sunday, August 26, 2013, to display their national pride and teach about their  culture.

“I attended simply to get extra credit for Spanish class. However, I look back and am so glad that I decided to go. I had the opportunity to speak to multiple people of different ethnicities and learned so much. In fact, it gave me an even greater curiosity for other cultures,” said Claire Rebbe, sophomore.

WCA possesses the freedom and resources to encourage kids to have the same experience that Rebbe had, and it is crucial to take advantage of that. Rebbe was one of just a few attendees representing Westminster. Unfortunately, many kids did not even realize the event was taking place. In order to prevent this from happening with future situations, the Westminster community must find a method of spreading the word. This could include reminders in the announcements, daily prompts from teachers, and more extra credit opportunities. Grades can be an extremely powerful incentive and motivation for students to participate in similar occasions. Westminster has the ability to promote these opportunities and should take advantage of that to augment the students’ comprehension of this world.

Giving time to others, especially in order to comprehend and empathize with their culture, shows respect and honor. Just one conversation can help one to relate to the lives and societies of other nations and make more informed assessments of important issues. Not only this, but it provides a more enlightened grasp on humanity and an increased desire to learn.

The prospect of acquiring new knowledge is incomparable and these events are invaluable to the WCA community. Next time an opportunity as such arrives, give other cultures and a chance before declining the invitation to attain knowledge and relationships.