Being part of Hope Forward has taught me the importance of its three pillars: access, generosity and community. This year, I had the opportunity to put them into practice through the International Food Fair, an event that brought different cultures together through food. Sharing this experience with Hope College’s international students was truly special — not only for us, but also for the wider campus and Holland community.
Access played a key role in making this event possible. Through the support of the Fried Center for Global Engagement, Hope College Dining Services and the International Relations Club, we were able to plan and host a meaningful gathering that celebrated cultural diversity through food.
This year, we wanted to highlight the deeper purpose behind the event: cooking for a cause. The funds raised from ticket sales were donated to Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates, an organization that provides critical legal services to immigrants. We had the privilege of welcoming representatives from Lighthouse to share about their mission, making our event not just about food, but also about raising awareness and supporting those in need.
Seeing their willingness to contribute reminded me of the power of community — and how food can connect us across cultures and bring hope to those who need it most.
Through this experience, I witnessed the generosity of international students who dedicated their time to cooking warm meals, offering not just flavors from their home countries, but also a sense of belonging and care. Seeing their willingness to contribute reminded me of the power of community — and how food can connect us across cultures and bring hope to those who need it most.