From Johanne Brier, New York Institute of Technology '09: 

On November 3, 2008 more than sixty students gathered at New York University to discuss the issues most affecting their daily lives. Ebuka Onwubneme, a 21-year old Nigerian-born student listed immigration as her number one issue.

“Immigration is very important to me. It has impacted my life as a student for years. After I got into school, immigration laws affected the amount of financial aid I received and my eligibility for a number of scholarships. They also impact the types of jobs I can take to pay off my loans.”

The event brought together students from a variety of political, social and economic backgrounds with the aim to encourage those eligible, to vote. Organizer Johanne Brier, New York Institute of Technology '09 decided to organize the event for international students who felt “disengaged and disconnected from the voting process” .

NYU Communications Professor Will Baker, who presented at the event, opened by stating that he was "impressed to see such a diverse group of young people coming together on a Saturday night to talk about the importance of the election. When I look around the room, I can see that this election is truly about all of us and I commend you on taking action.”

“Even though I can’t vote, this will be the second election process I’ll see, said Joanna Francis, a 28 year-old student from Trinidad and Tobago studying at Kingsborough Community College. “Being here with all of you makes me feel like I am part of an amazing historical process.”

The event also featured an art exhibit from the New York Institute of Technology Fine Arts Department and a variety of spoken word performances.