The greatest thing about living in a new place is discovering the many sides to that place. Studying abroad in the United States has not only opened up the beautiful city of San Diego to me, it has also opened up California. There are many customs and events that I have discovered, but the one that I enjoyed the most has to be the how excited students here at San Diego State are about Coachella.
What is Coachella?
I always wondered that from my campus at the University of British Columbia. I got many answers coming to San Diego. Americans generally (not only residents of California) are really excited about this music festival, usually lasting over two weeks, during which they get to see their favorite artists perform, meet new people, party with their friends and bond with total strangers.
“I think this is amazing because so many people of different backgrounds gather and are proud to show to the world a part of their culture, their outfits and what it means to them.”
I think what is particularly unique about this festival is the fact that artists from different genres get to perform, and people from really different backgrounds get to be in the same place to enjoy music. I think it is the most beautiful form of art because it joins so many people who are all super excited to be there.
What is even more exceptional about this event is how dedicated people are to put on their best outfits and post their best pictures of themselves with their friends. I think this is amazing because so many people of different backgrounds gather and are proud to show to the world a part of their culture, their outfits and what it means to them. It is really beautiful because it inspires love and respect. It brings to our attention that we should be respectful of each other’s culture and reminds us to make sure that we do not dress in a particular way that could be offensive to people from other cultures.
This especially made me think of Halloween, when people do not necessarily understand that dressing up as an indigenous person could be offensive to them and their community. This is one particular reason why I found Coachella really appealing to me; It is also a way to show appreciation and respect to each other.
Out of all the performers, I was really moved by Beyonce, who surprised everyone with an exceptional performance during which she performed Afro Latino, Caribbean beats, go-go, trap music, rock and operatic vocals — all accompanied with an amazing choreography. I invite everyone to check out her performance online as it basically sums up everything I want to say in this blog post.
It truly demonstrates the beauty of diversity and culture!
Radia Mbengue is studying at SDSU on a yearlong exchange from the University of British Columbia in Canada. She is originally from Senegal.
The global experience, as told by SDSU students 
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