University of Miami - Ibis Yearbook (Coral Gables, FL)

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'A 2.: I COISO CELEBRATES Riding Out the Storm, was a theme that DIFFERENT WORLD was chosen by us? states Vivek Patel, vice-president of COISO. We broke CULTURES ON away from the national theme because so UN D AY many students on campus were affected by the recent hurricanes and other disasters. ohrlstlanmartinez ll writer ttUN Dayls goal is to raise cultural awareness, but we also brought to attention the disasters plaguing these countries? said Ciara Mohamed, president of COISO. tlBut we also want to focus more on the recovery effort rather than on the disasters. On a mid-October day, the Miami sun highlights an unusual sight on the UM green. A stage is set up between two tents, with brightly colored displays abound. The stereo speakers blare out an eclectic mix of various world sounds from bhangra to soca and everything in between. A diverse group of students representing various organizations on campus cheerfully promote everything from cultural awareness to exposing various problems facing people worldwide. The amiable environment attracts the student body to what has become a fixture on the University: United Nations Day. The theme of recovery from disasters also reverberated the common theme of humanity coming together for a common cause, which was reflected by the various student organizations who tabled at the event. Students passing by were drawn in by the various cultures being represented. COISO organized the annual event every October. United Nations Day is celebrated as an expression of international solidarity between various cultures and ethnicities and as a way to increase awareness of such cultures to college campuses nationwide. Usually, COISCO organizations nationwide set a uniform theme each year. In light of the recent natural disasters and other problems plaguing various countries worldwide, and because of the number of students who represent those countries on our campus, COISO decided on an original theme. This is a great event, said Ara Samra, sophomore, I had no idea there were so many cultures on our campus. It is this increasing awareness that makes United Nations Day such a success. ltWeive been holding UN Day every year since COISO was established back in the 7Ois,u said Mohamed. tlltls an event that everyone looks forward toIW RlCHA SADANA Photo by Tiffany Parrett H ibis staff LO Q o N 2 m a a v N