By: Maria Lachanaris
Over the short break, many Bergen Community College students celebrated Thanksgiving, an American holiday centered around food, family, and giving thanks. Thanksgiving is influenced by the harvest feast that the English colonists shared with the Wampanoag Natives in 1691. The holiday is celebrated as a symbol of intercultural peace and American prosperity within the family.
However, the reality is that Thanksgiving is not as idyllic and picture-perfect as it seems. When thinking of a typical Thanksgiving meal, visions of dry turkey, watery mashed potatoes, and political arguments with relatives arise. What sets Bergen apart are the numerous students coming from diverse, multicultural backgrounds. While awkward family conversations might occur, the food is seasoned, delicious and unique.
The Torch interviewed many students at Bergen prior to the holiday, including members of Pasalubong, the Latino American Student Association, Black Student Union, and the Muslim Student Association, asking two main questions: “What is your ethnic background?” and “What is a multicultural dish your family makes during the holidays?”
One student reported the delicious and extensive Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine that was featured during his family’s Thanksgiving dinner. Seasoned jerk chicken, spicy curry goat, flavorful oxtail, and rice and beans were all featured.
Lara of the Muslim Student Association, who is Palestinian American, described Diwali, which are grape leaves stuffed with flavorful rice and beef.
Another member of the BSU, who is Nigerian, spoke on Jollof rice, an aromatic rice dish made with tomatoes, onions, chilies, and other vegetables and meat.
Puerto Rican vice president of Latino American Student Association Kiara Perez shared that coquito is a beloved drink in her household. Perez described the creamy beverage as a “puerto-rican eggnog” that is occasionally spiked with the rum, Bacardi. Sheila Serrano, LASA’s external representative who is Dominican and Puerto Rican, discussed how her culture doesn’t often prepare turkey. Instead, Serrano’s family feast on “well seasoned” pernil, which is a pork shoulder.
President Jeo Pocholo Dela Cruz of Pasalubong, who is Filipino, stated for special holidays his family tends to have Lechon, which is a whole roasted pig. Cruz continued, “For Thanksgiving we’re [his family] not really comfortable with making turkey dishes because we don’t really know anything about it.” As an alternative to turkey, Cruz’s family tends to prioritize a juicy ham. Filipino Pasalubong secretary Nilo-Enrico Antonio Neri enjoys a Filipino pork dumpling soup, pancit molo, which is a dish his grandmother makes every year.
Bergen student Sammy Mullins, who is Chinese but comes from an Italian family, shared her family loves sweet potato casserole. Other multicultural foods that were shared by Bergen students were Spanakopita, which is a Greek spinach pie wrapped in phyllo dough; Chicharron, which are fried pork rinds, as well as fried plantains, which are eaten by many Latino families; and Lumpia, which is a Filipino dish consisting of fried spring rolls stuffed with vegetables and meat.
It is without a doubt that what makes Bergen Community College so special is the large and diverse student body. Especially during the holiday season, it is crucial to highlight how Bergen is home to many international students, many of whom assimilate into American culture specifically through the holidays and traditions shared during this time of year. Community is the key word in “Bergen Community College,” which is the space in which students can unite over their commonalities and differences. By sharing a family recipe, trying out a new cultural dish, or supporting a local small business, Bergen students can spread joy and love in a time where hope and peace is needed in the world.