International Students pumpkin-carving party brings an American tradition alive for students

In late October, HFC International Student Services hosted its seventh annual pumpkin-carving party in the John McDonald Student & Culinary Arts Center (Building M on the main campus). This annual event is a way for the College to welcome its international students and introduce them to a uniquely American tradition.

HFC International Student advisors Sara Gonzalez Herrera and Sulian Larmond, along with Registrar Karen Sadanowicz, demonstrated to 14 international students how to carve a pumpkin for the Halloween season. Everyone listened to Halloween-themed music and enjoyed spiced doughnuts and apple cider from a local cider mill, which is another American tradition, as the students worked on their own unique creations.

"Hosting our pumpkin-carving parties is always such a blast!” said Larmond. “It is great witnessing the unique creativity of each student – some pumpkins with spooky faces and others with funny masterpieces – each reflecting a bit of their personality. It is rewarding to see the laughter and creativity through good old-fashioned fun. There's something special about watching our students get together and feel like a family over something as simple, not to mention messy, as carving pumpkins! It is a reminder that it doesn't take much to bring people together – just a shared space and a willingness to connect. This event is always a highlight of the fall season, and I am already looking forward to next year."

Experiencing Halloween the American way

Aziel Williams carved a pumpkin in the likeness of the popular Marvel Comics character Venom.

“Everything was all in fun and we helped each other out. It was like, ‘Hey, I’m your friend, let’s do this together.’ We all had a good time,” said Kareem Faour.

Mariam Dawi designed and curved the sorting hat from the Harry Potter franchise, as she’s a big fan.

“This was my first time carving a pumpkin ever!” said Dawi. “What I really liked about the pumpkin-carving party is the process of carving itself and I got to enjoy doing it with new people from all over the world. It also allowed me to socialize more! I think this party was perfect and really fun, and I do not think anything should be added to it. I really had fun carving a pumpkin for the first time and experiencing Halloween the American way.”