In the midst of Taylor’s campus, the Multicultural Student Association (MSA) is a beacon of diversity, unity and inclusivity. This organization, nestled within the Office of Intercultural Programs (OIP), embarks on another year of programming.
Under the leadership of Dawit Cronin and Xueer Wang, co-presidents of the Multicultural Student Association, the MSA anticipates to celebrate and advocate for greater diversity on campus.
“We come from different backgrounds,” Cronin said. “We weren’t born in the same country and weren't born in the same state. We have different parents — different everything. But we come together to be united in a moment of celebration, a moment of laughter and a moment of understanding our backgrounds; (while) also celebrating and emphasizing that message.”
According to Cronin, the MSA is a group of students from various cultural backgrounds who share a common goal: to foster an inclusive college community where every student feels welcomed and valued. With the belief that diversity enriches the college experience, MSA brings together individuals with different perspectives, traditions and experiences.
Throughout the year, the organization hosts cultural events, such as Mosaic Night, which will take place on November 4. Mosaic Night will be preceded by Global Market – a dinner where food from different cultures is served. At both events, students can immerse themselves in the diverse cultures represented on campus.
Cronin reflects on the desire for the MSA to reach as many people as possible.
“The most important part is being able to put on an event that reaches all people,” Cronin said. “We invite everybody to participate — even in events. Every single person on campus has some culture, and that's our theme for this year.”
According to Elisabeth Nieshalla, student body president, the Student Activities Council (SAC) plans to collaborate with the Latino Student Union (LSU) for upcoming events, such as Salsa Night.
MSA's Mosaic Night marketing campaign is also an exciting opportunity for the Birrama Creative Team, as members from both groups plan this upcoming event.
“(We’ve) been trying to create these spaces for real, genuine friendship,” Nieshalla said. “We've been really proud of how our organizations have been working towards collaborations this year.”
Thanks to the leadership of Cronin and Wang, Nieshalla believes the MSA has a lot to offer the student body this year. Alongside creating organic relationships between Taylor’s different cabinets, she said that fostering unity and diversity will be the main goals of the SAC and the MSA.
To Nieshalla, the most significant factor influencing the organization's performance is the unity of the groups in Christ.
This year, Taylor welcomed the largest group of international students its campus has ever seen. Nieshalla shared more about how this will impact relationships across campus.
“We have more international students on campus this year than we have ever had before,” Nieshalla said. “I think the number is almost doubled from last year. (We’re) looking for our student programming to reflect that and serve the huge diversity of students that we've got on campus, and make them feel welcome and seen and loved through our programming.”
Taylor plays host to a wealth of diverse students, each bringing their own unique background and expertise to the table. Historically, the MSA has allowed international students to showcase their talents to their peers. Faculty, staff and students can expect the same events, enhanced by unique experiences from different students.
Through its outreach to students, MSA does more than just put on events for students to enjoy. With their dedication to student outreach, the team exposes the lesser-known parts of Taylor's campus.
“I think it would be a shame if a student left Taylor without ever engaging someone who came from a very different place in a very different background than they did,” Nieshalla said. “I mean it's such an incredible resource when we get to learn from one another.”
As the 2023-2024 school year gains momentum, the Multicultural Student Association is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing Taylor's culture through its passion for furthering unity across campus.
The mission of the MSA reminds individuals that the future of Taylor is one where diversity is embraced, and unity is celebrated, ensuring that every student finds their place within the tapestry of their academic home.
