Prom in the United States is a fixture in society, but for international students, it is mostly seen in movies and is never experienced in person.
Until now.
The International Student Association hosted a “A Night To Remember” prom celebration for students to attend.
This event allowed international students a chance to participate in a prom and see what the celebration is like in the United States.
“Some countries might have one similar, but prom is probably the biggest name that is out there,” said Tariro Chinhamo, student president of ISA. “We wanted to give that experience to international students, but also to everybody who may not have experienced it or who wants to come and have fun.”
The event was held in the Ponderosa Room above the Student Union. The theme for the event was “Glam” and to dress in one’s most formal attire. From suits to dresses, students arrived and prepared for a night of activities.
Attendees had the chance to win prizes by participating in these games. There was cup pong for students to play and the winner would receive flowers. The night also included a red carpet walk. Students were encouraged to place their name in a bowl to be selected to walk the red carpet with another drawn name. The goal of these activities was to have fun and connect students with each other.
“What we want to do is involve both American and international students together so that we can exchange our cultures,” said Aayusha Neupane, vice president of ISA.
Around 8 p.m. there was a halt to the activities when the Student Union fire alarms went off and students were informed to leave the building. The alarm lasted roughly fifteen minutes, and students were able to go back inside to continue the celebration.
Tran Thuy Linh and Minh Tri were selected as the best-dressed winners of the night and won a gift card prize.
This is the first year ISA has hosted a prom event for students at UNK. In previous years, they hosted a Halloween-inspired event, but this year they decided to change it up. The organization invested its time and money in planning this event to make it possible. Sound equipment, lighting equipment, food and decorations were used to make it a special night for students.
“We had to book Ponderosa a year in advance,” Chinhamo said. “We bought a lot of stuff so that we can host this in the future as well.”
ISA’s future plans include hosting the Scott D. Morris International Food and Cultural Festival on Nov. 12. There will be food from nine different countries provided and cultural performances.
