Camila Nguyen

Guests participate in the selfie-challenge game, passing phones from table to table to create a chain of group selfies.

Texas Wesleyan students gathered for International Friendsgiving on Thursday evening, sharing a traditional Thanksgiving meal and conversations designed to bring together students from around the world.

“Our goal for this event is for international students and local students to come together, be united, eat food and talk about what we’re thankful for,” said Kate Mason, coordinator for the Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) and the main host.

Volunteers from Meadowridge Church partnered with BSM to prepare and serve the meal, filling the Bragan Fellowship Hall with the scent of turkey, stuffing and warm dessert.  

“It’s sweet that so many people who don’t know each other came together just to love students,” said Lauren Robinette, a church volunteer. “People from different places and ages are all coming together, and it’s beautiful.” 

Activities throughout the night included a gratitude tree created by the Black Student Association, a dice-based conversation game, and a selfie challenge, encouraging tables to connect like family.  

“I hope people get involved in the gratitude game because it helps you see what you may or may not be thankful for and gets people talking,” said Victoria Aguwa, junior education major and president of BSM. 

Before dinner, attendees joined hands in a circle for an opening prayer as part of the event’s focus on community and reflection.  

“I hope students leave tonight feeling more at home here and knowing they have people who care about them,” Mason said. “Even if they were feeling isolated before, I want them to walk away feeling connected and loved.”