4-14-2022 8:29pm

Multicultural Gala 2022 at Farmingdale State College Celebrates Diversity

Christine Larkin Editor

You're never too old to open your heart and mind and embrace people from different cultures who live around you. We are a nation of immigrants. Our country was built on immigrant sweat. At the turn of the 19th century, there was a huge influx of people, mostly Europeans, who came to America, the land of the free, and the home of the brave, to pursue their dreams of a better life. Today is no different as people from all over the globe come to the United States for opportunities that they could only dream of in their native land.

This past Wednesday, Farmingdale State College held its annual Multicultural Gala. It's an event that started with a small group of people and has grown in recent years to the many who come together to celebrate diversity, equality, and inclusion. I also work at FSC and am a volunteer on the Multicultural Committee and one of the Mc's for the Gala. This event is free to the campus population that offers art, music, dance, and food that is as diverse as the staff, faculty, and students here. It is an occasion that brings us together in one room for one night to share our common good, no matter where we come from.

I am also an Alumni, Class of 78', and currently a student in Professional Communications. This major is helping me perfect my writing skills to bring you compelling stories. I will be a two-time graduate when I'm finished with my baccalaureate studies, and I went back to school at 62 years old. It's never too late to live your dreams. I work in the Facilities Department that is the hub of the campus and a crossroads where I come into contact with staff and faculty from around the world. That's how I first learned about the Multicultural Committee, and I was immediately interested in being a part of it.

After graduation in my early 20's, I moved to New York City and got a good-paying job near the United Nations. I had outgrown the beach town of Bay Shore and wanted to immerse myself in another world where people were different than me. Planet Manhattan, as I affectionally call it, was like a carnival. On my lunch break, I'd take walks around the beautiful UN grounds, flags from every nation blowing in the wind. I'd grab lunch at a nearby diner and you'd be elbow to elbow with a Prince or a King as you scoffed down your food. No kidding. Today, it is commonplace to live side by side with people from faraway places. The world is smaller.

I was a singer in a variety of bands that were made up of ethnic people who became my dear friends. Cultural music opened my mind, and the music became our common language. I eventually moved back to Long Island near the beach once again. It has become a mecca of eclectic people who came here to escape the big city like I did. They are my neighbors, my friends, and part of my family. They are yours, too. Let's continue to embrace each other. Our likeness is what we have most in common.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

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I am a columnist with Skylark Live Town News (SLTN) and write short, poetic articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, and daily life in and around Bay Shore. Please subscribe to my free newsletter that will be delivered directly to your email each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. To support the SLTN community, you can make a recurring monthly donation as a Friend ($5) or Advocate ($15). You can also advertise your business or event here. It's easy and convenient to do. I am also an advocate for people 60 and beyond. These years can be transformative, but they require focus, determination, and planning. I have a first Monday-of-the-month motivational vlog that is designed to inspire people to thrive as they age through knowledge and self-awareness. Please follow me on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Linkedin under my brand, Skylark Live. Thank you for your support.