December 5, 2003 Student
Life
This feature, "Student Life," returns with a new
name, replacing "Student News." The intent, however,
is the same. "Student Life" brings readers the best
of student-produced journalism at Utah State University. Featured
items are written by students for The Utah Statesman,
the official student newspaper of Utah Sate University, or The
Hard News Café, the online publication from the
Department of Journalism and Communication. Both publications
are award winning and present the talents of Utah State's journalists-in-training.
This week's piece is from Hard News Cafe by writer
Jamie Karras
Photos by Jamie Karras
And the winners
are. . .Mr. Pakistan and Ms. India
From the Hard
News Cafe 11/20/03
A stroll down a long hallway on the third floor of the Taggart
Student Center at Utah State University reveals a wall lined
with pictures of queens -- beauty queens that is.
These young ladies, crowned with sparkling tiaras, represent
countries from all over the world. And they, along with a male
counterpart, were awarded the titles of Mr. and Ms. International.
Those photos represent years past. Two new photos are about
to be added to he already substantial collection. The pictures
are of Mr. Pakistan and Ms. India, or more specifically, Omer
Khan and Mansi Amin.
The pageant was Friday, with many different nationalities present
to cheer on their favorite contestant.
Preliminary events were held the day before. Portions of Friday's
competition focused in on at the pageant were talent and interview
skills.
Each of the nine contestants' talents portrayed a part of his/her
culture. A few included Mr. Korea, Tae Min Han, and his Korean
rock band. Ms. Thailand, Archaree Phiphadkusolkul, performed
a traditional Thai dance in a vibrant pink ethnic costume. Ms.
India performed a dance called "Sour Limes," in which
she, a sister to a bride, taunted the groomsmen. This particular
talent had the most audience participation.
 In
the interview portion, contestants were mainly asked questions
about life in their country.
"What world problem concerns you the most and can you
present a solution," was a question Mr. China, Hui Gao,
had 30 seconds to think about.
"I see constant wars every day," Gao said. "I
hope we can work hand in hand and share our peaceful world."
Halfway though Mr. Pakistan's answer he forgot the actual question.
Even still he pulled out the win.
Ms. India said one of the most important reasons for international
education is the opportunity to be exposed to many cultures.
"Once you get to know a lot of cultures, you appreciate
your culture even more," Ms. India said.
"People are nice here," said Ms. China, Yinghui Wang,
said when asked what her favorite thing about American life.
People say hello to you even though they don't know you, she
said.
Mr. Pakistan and Ms. India echoed Ms. China's thoughts. They
both came to USU because they say it is a very safe place. Both
had family members who had previously attended school in Cache
Valley.
"You cannot get distract[ed] even if you try," said
Mr. Pakistan about how the small town relates to his education.
Winners were chosen by a panel of judges, all of which are
somehow connected to the university; whether an adviser, professor,
employee or otherwise.
Competition wasn't the only entertainment of the evening. While
the audience members awaited the judges final decisions, they
enjoyed dances from cultures around the globe -- a Gharba, Bhangra
and a Chinese dance.
Of the 92 counties represented at USU, the pageant revealed
only a few, but many more can be seen all over campus.
By Jamie Karras
utah
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2003/archives
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