Our International Friendsgiving: Safiya Clennon Shares How She Celebrated The Thanksgiving Holiday

The Thanksgiving table was a melting pot of traditions, foods, and cultures for Safiya Clennon. She not only experienced American traditions but many from around the globe. Read on to learn more about her cultural exchange journey from Jamaica to Metrolina Greenhouses in North Carolina and her Thanksgiving holiday at her host family’s home!

“Family is very important to the company as it is a family-owned business. We had a grand celebration in our own unique way; our international ‘Friendsgiving’ with staff, one of the owners of the company, and other students from Colombia, Uganda, Brazil, Indonesia, and Ukraine,” Safiya shared.

“We made special dishes from our respective countries and shared stories as we indulged in the delectable food with music and laughter. I made ackee and saltfish (the national dish of Jamaica), the Colombians made empanadas, we had rice and salmon from Indonesia, we had fried tilapia with vegetables from Uganda, chicken stroganoff with chips from Brazil, fried chicken from the USA, and churros from Mexico. I enjoyed the exchange of stories and getting to understand the culture of each person.

My host has created such a welcoming environment with a strong emphasis on family. The employees here are friendly and supportive and take every opportunity to impart knowledge to us as students. Our Thanksgiving was a blast.”