When St. Thomas University international students association president Maite Cristina first set foot on campus, the first thing that struck her was the social and cultural diversity that is so widely appreciated on campus.
Cristina is a second-year human rights major hailing from San José, Costa Rica. Her passion for human rights and cultural diversity is what brought her here to Fredericton.
As STUISA president this year, she hopes to forge a stronger link between the association and others on campus.
“I’m setting up STUISA for more participation within the university and the community.”
Cristina spent her first year at STU deeply involved with STUISA and all it had to offer. She attended Christmas events, fundraisers and her favorite event, the annual multicultural fair.
With a keen sense of fashion and upbeat attitude, Cristina got her first taste of working with STUISA after organizing and running the entire fashion show at last year’s multicultural fair.
“It was a big success,” she said about the fashion show.
“I hope to have another one this year as well.”
The fair is a “boom of cultures, knowledge and fun,” Cristina said.
“The multicultural fair is a way to share and be grateful to the country that has so kindly received us and has given us a home away from home.”
Along with the fair, Cristina said this year’s events will be nothing short of impressive.
Her plans include an art gallery with works from all cultures produced by both international and national students, a wine and cheese night fundraiser as well as secret Santa for the association’s 90 students.
However, Cristina understands that most of this would never be accomplished without her executive board members for STUISA.
The board advertises and plans every event the association hosts.
“The members really make the group successful,” she said.
“Everyone contributes, we all do everything and that’s how things get done.”
Cristina has come a long way since she first stepped foot onto the St. Thomas campus.
Since then, she has shared her experiences with other international students while planning new and exciting events that promote and sustain cultural diversity both at St. Thomas and in our community.
“STUISA holds the roots of diversity and we are all connected one way or another.”
