Cookout helps international students enjoy holidays far from home

On Dec. 22, Lauren and I had the opportunity to host a casual cookout at our home for 25-plus international students attending Columbus State University.

As these students are unable to travel home for the holidays, this event has become an annual celebration at our home. From Serbia to Brazil, China to Jamaica and Poland to Vietnam, these students brought a fantastic energy to our home, and it was truly a pleasure to visit with them all.

A brother and sister pair from China brought their mom, who was making her first-ever visit to the U.S. Tennis coach Evan Isaacs, cheer coach Jimbo Davis and Adam and Alysia Johnson, from CSU's Center for International Education and Center for Career Development, respectively, provided invaluable assistance and support. (The coaches cooked!)

What a treat it was to visit with these great students in a casual setting and for them to know there is always a "home away from home" with us. This is what the CSU family is truly all about.