When I think of home, I picture St. Thomas, Jamaica. I see the sun shining through palm trees, hear the rhythm of reggae in the streets, and smell the spices that make every meal come alive. The aroma of jerk chicken sizzling on a grill, the comfort of rice and peas, and the laughter of my family gathered around the table are the flavors that shaped me. They remind me of who I am and where I come from, and they are what I miss most while studying at Livingstone College.

As we honor United Nations Day on October 24, I find myself reflecting on what it means to belong to a global community. Even though Jamaica is miles away, my culture is always with me. The warmth, the music, and the flavor of home remind me that diversity and connection are what make any community stronger. Livingstone has become the place where those values truly come to life.

I first learned about Livingstone College through the New Season Youth Program, which introduced me to the idea of studying abroad and opened doors I never imagined. The New Season Youth Program is an international initiative designed to connect students with academic opportunities abroad, promoting cross-cultural learning, leadership development, and global awareness. Through that program, I learned about Livingstone’s legacy, its welcoming environment, and its mission to empower students from all walks of life. It felt like a place where my story could continue, a campus where I could learn, grow, and find community far from home.

Coming to college in the United States was a major change. I came to Livingstone searching for more than a degree; I wanted a sense of belonging. I knew it would be different from Jamaica, but I was drawn to the warmth I felt here. Still, my first few months were not easy. Some days felt plain, like food without seasoning. I missed the sound of patois in conversation, the bright colors of the market, and the spice that flavored everything back home.

Over time, I began to find my place. Now, as a sophomore Biology major, I have learned to add a little of my own Jamaican flavor to this new environment. Whether it was cooking for friends, teaching them a few phrases from home, or simply showing up as my authentic self, I realized that I did not have to lose my identity to fit in. I could blend in while still standing out. Each experience helped me leave a small trace of Jamaica wherever I went.

Being at an HBCU has deepened my appreciation for culture and connection. I have learned how rich African American history and traditions are and how they reflect the pride and resilience of my own people. The way food, music, and faith unite the community here feels familiar, even though the expressions are different. My Jamaican roots, spicy, rhythmic, and full of life, add another layer to that shared story. Together, these cultures do not compete; they complement each other. Like the ingredients in a good stew chicken, they come together to create something richer.

Homecoming at Livingstone reminds me of “Alumni Week” back home. At my former high school, Morant Bay High, we also celebrate in October, so the timing feels right at home. Both occasions fill the campus with energy and pride. The difference lies in the celebration style. In Jamaica, we move to dancehall and reggae, while at Livingstone, the marching band and step shows take center stage. Yet both share the same spirit of love, history, and unity. I used to think people here would mostly stick to their own circles, but I quickly learned that belonging is about sharing. The more I opened up about my culture, the more others welcomed me into theirs.

United Nations Day holds a special meaning for me as an international student. It reminds me that even though I am far from Jamaica, I am still part of something much greater, a global family that values peace, unity, and inclusion. Those values do not just exist in ceremonies; they start in how we treat one another each day. Through food, music, and conversation, I try to share my culture in ways that help others see the beauty of diversity and the strength that comes from it.

Livingstone has taught me that differences do not have to divide us. They can be the bridge that connects us. When we stay open to learning from each other, we build understanding and respect. To both international and African American students, I would say that our cultures are like spices. On their own, each one is unique and full of flavor, but when combined, they create something unforgettable. That is what Livingstone represents to me, a blend of people, stories, and traditions that together form something powerful and beautiful.

Livingstone has become more than a college. It is where I have discovered who I am and who I am becoming. Every friendship and experience has added something new to my journey, like another ingredient in a favorite dish. I came here looking for family, and I found something even greater, a community that celebrates every culture, every story, and every flavor that makes us who we are. That, to me, is what true unity tastes like.