Eleven students from Spanish National Honor Society and Cross Cultural Connections went to Union Station on Tuesday, April 12 for a global student fair sponsored by People to People International.

The group got to explore dozens of different booths about different organizations from the Kansas City area.

“I hope that the students learned to see the differences of people and their own cultures and opportunities right here in K.C.” Ashley Reed, Cross Cultural Connections teacher, said.

Each booth had information for people including upcoming events, cultural information or other information pertaining to their organization.

“I learned that the Kansas City area has an amazing global initiative and looks for interns all the time,” Stephanie French, SNHS sponsor, said.

With the set up filling Union Station’s Sprint Festival Plaza, students and visitors from all over Kansas City were able to gather information about different countries, organizations, and schools that promote being a world citizen.

“There were people from Kenya, Thailand, and other places from all over the world,” French said.

One booth was for Japan, and two women filled a table with Japanese toys, books, currency and games. Another from Vietnam had a beautiful seashell mosaic.

In addition to countries, global organizations had tables set up to spread information about their projects.

“I was reminded about Senate Bill 155 that allows high school students to take college classes toward a program for free. I have many students who want a second year to continue to learn sign language and I point them toward Johnson County Community College to take classes from a deaf professor with no cost besides books,” Reed said.

Not only can students take college classes toward a program, but about how they can actively help people in need.

“I learned about the Peace Corps and how people right out of college can go out and help needy countries,” Kahler Fontaine, senior, said.

For a few hours, the plaza was filled with students learning about other countries and also about how to be more aware.

“My favorite part was going around and seeing all the different cultures,” Fontaine said.