ST. CLOUD -- Cultures from around the world play a role in the St. Cloud community.

Through culture events students are showcasing their traditions and embracing their differences. One example is the annual Sri Lanka Cultural Night.

Organization President Kanishka Amarasinghe says they're trying to share the culture in their own way.

"We are trying to express our culture in our own way. Other cultures can take things away from us, just like we do from them."

International students feel welcomed to their new experience abroad. Member Dakshina Jayakody says he feels right at home.

"When I was a freshman I was new here and once I found there was a place I could meet and hang with others from my culture, I felt like I was at home."

The impact of the culture nights leave students with a strong connection for their community. Former member Nimesh Wickramasinghe flew from San Francisco for the event. He says culture night is a reunion for alumni.

"Lots of alumni fly in if not for one night but several throughout the year. I have friends I use to go to college with that I met up with here."

St. Cloud State University holds other culture events throughout the year including Japan, Somali and more.

WJON Intern Jacob Lundy wrote this story.

(Photo: Jacob Lundy, WJON)
(Photo: Jacob Lundy, WJON)
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