KENNESAW, Ga. | Sep 11, 2018

A Day of Fun, Team Building, Culture and Family

Two teams represented Kennesaw State University (KSU) at Georgia's largest Hong Kong cultural event of the year, the Atlanta Dragon Boat Race. Thousands of people from across the state of Georgia gathered at Lake Lanier Saturday to support teams, enjoy Chinese cultural activities, and delight in international cuisine.

Both KSU teams were sponsored by the Confucius Institute at KSU (CIKSU) and were comprised of CI research scholars, KSU students, Global Education staff, as well as invited family and friends. In total, 80 teams registered for the event including teams from Delta Airlines, AT&T, and Home Depot. Over 2,000 spectators watched as both KSU teams went shoulder to shoulder with world-renowned companies, other Georgia institutions, and local teams.

The Confucius Institute has participated in the event for the past nine years and utilizes this opportunity to connect with local communities. Floria Whitcomb, office manager for CI and event manager, said that the event is a wonderful opportunity to increase the visibility of KSU.

"Our teams made interpersonal connections and represented Kennesaw State University very well," she said.

KSU Biology major and president of the Chinese Language and Culture Club, Ernestina Maldenado, attended the event for the second year in a row. Maldenado, who is minoring in Chinese, stood out to her professors by performing well in her schoolwork. After organizing a dance team in her class, her teachers noticed her outstanding leadership skills and asked her join the club. She has since been elected president of the club and team captain for the Chinese Language and Culture Club team.

"The Dragon Boat fesitival is a cultural event that focuses on Chinese culture. You make new connections while you are there. When people saw our shirts that were asking about KSU and the Confucius Institute," she said.

Maldenado and her teammates connected with members of the Georgia State University (GSU) Confucius Institute team on race day and also were able to connnect with Fortune 500 companies that were there as sponsors and participants in the race.

"The event keeps growing each year. There are lots of opportunities to make connections that could help you later down the road and could potentially benefit your future. This is definitely something that makes you feel like you are part of something greater," she said.

Although they did not bring home the coveted first place trophy this year, the team building and bonding was a prize worth so much more. Maldenado hopes that more people participate in the race in the years to come. She says that it is a valuable experience for all participants.

"My favorite part is the rowing itsself and getting together with others on the boat. The adrenaline runs through you and you are filled with excitement and joy. In that moment, there is a sense of unity and family," she said.

As for next year, the teams are already planning their strategy in hopes of competing in the final race for victory.

"Our plan for next year is to strategize better and practice more. Practice makes perfect," said Whitcomb.

For more information on the Atlanta Dragon Boat Race, visit their website at www.dragonboatatlanta.com/about/