One of the advantages of growing up in a small town was definitely being able to leave school alone from a young age and bike home (picking up a baguette for goûter on the way). No need to sign a nanny up on Focus or to call a friend panic-stricken because you’re caught in an interminable meeting or your train is stuck in a tunnel. No need for an air tag to track your child and make sure they’re moving in the right direction.
On the other hand, I missed out on many things–without realizing it. For example, I’m pretty sure I was already a young adult the first time I tasted Chinese food (and an ever-so-slightly older adult when I realized with hindsight that what I had tasted was, in fact, Vietnamese, not Chinese.) I was, therefore, thrilled on Wednesday to see our students from Maternelle to Middle School rushing toward stands from all over the world to sample the food The École parents (and aunts!) had prepared for them. With more than 30 countries represented, our school’s diversity took center stage and allowed our students to experience the flavors, textures, and colors of culinary specialties from all over the world.
The discovery of other cultures through food clearly represents much more than meets the eye. First, the International Festival brings us together and allows all our students from Pre-Nursery to 8th Grade to participate (an infrequent occurrence) thanks to the generosity of the parent volunteers. I would like to thank all of those who took time out of their busy schedules to cook, prepare displays, educate, and lay on a magnificent spread to the delight of our students, who, despite all our calls for moderation, stuffed themselves silly (particularly the middle schoolers)! It is also a carefree moment when we have some time to chat–I carefully noted the suggestion to hold a similar festival for grown-ups, with drinks to sample instead of food! Finally, it’s a moment that contributes to our identity and defines us. I was happy to hear at the end of the day that parents were already planning what to prepare for next year. It seems that the International Festival has become a fixture (I’m sure Andria already knows next year’s date–in fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s already added it to my calendar!)
On a personal level, I am well aware that not having experienced this diversity growing up is something I lacked. My entire adult life has been punctuated by the desire to learn about new cultures. New York offers me infinite and unmatchable possibilities to do so and also to check in on cultures I’ve already encountered on my travels. And I want to keep on learning. I harbor no illusions about the personal biases, weaknesses, and false certainties I may still hold. I learn new things from you–parents, colleagues, and students–every day. On Wednesday, it may have taken the form of a dessert I’d never tasted or a texture I’d never seen, but for the past four years, you have nourished me in so many other ways. Your strength gives me the energy (I almost wrote the calories!) I need to make this school a nourishing, generous, carefree place–like a communal table where we all sit and are welcomed as friends.