On Friday, October 22, it seemed as though all the different cultures in our incredibly large world  joined together tightly into the incredibly small world of Ojai Valley School.

A “Parent’s Weekend,” as it is called at the OVS Upper Campus, brought more than just the student’s loved ones, but rather the true diversity that represents this campus.

With more than 50% of the students trekking from across the seas, our school has seem to be slightly dominated by the international students from China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Mexico, and even Russia.

As one student in my calculus said, “At OVS, it’s like the Americans are the international students.” A quote that can, with some honesty, be deemed true, is a quality of this school that I can, with all honesty, say I enjoy most.

The Chinese culture full of “strange” symbols, and ridiculously hard to use chopsticks is just one example of the many cultures that seem to fascinate me like no other. The difference in ethics, standard behavior, and even relationships is something I would of been completely oblivious of otherwise.

Having the chance to have an “international” experience in the somewhat isolated campus of Ojai Valley School, is, in my opinion, such a privilege.

As a member of the OVS student council, my Friday afternoon spent selling “Stress Busters” and birthday cakes turned out to be much more than I expected. Constantly hearing faint noises of “Nihao” and “Hola” made me realize what makes the OVS community what it truly is. From Hong Kong to Cabo San Lucas, at OVS, we are a family.