By: Nadia McSlide
Nadia McSlide
Early Saturday morning, June 6th, 2026, I woke up in a panic, afraid I would miss the chance to help set up for the first Pride parade. Tri-C had a contingent for this year’s Pride in the CLE parade. I was expected early, and I didn’t want to be late. While I was got ready, I also planned my logistics for later that day because I was attending yet another exciting engagement. The “On the Road to FIFA” Brazil vs. Egypt game was on the same day, just a few hours after the Pride parade downtown.
When I found the Tri-C booth, I walked with our contingent toward Public Square where the parade route began. I started to see FIFA fans walking around that area and taking in the sights. During the parade, words cannot describe the immense happiness and joy that I felt when my friends and I held our Pride banner so high that so many people shouted their support and love for our school. I could see how much Tri-C has positively impacted so many lives in the Cleveland area. It touched me a lot. After the parade, so many people came to our stand in support and solidarity. We also had our teal beads and other Tri-C swag for anyone who stopped by.
After the parade, I couldn’t stay long because I had to head home quickly to get my team FIFA gear ready for that evening’s game. When I arrived downtown, it felt great to see people from around the world walking and enjoying our city. We FIFA fans waited outside Huntington Bank Field stadium until it was time to enter. Meanwhile, I saw how people were kind to each other, no matter which team they supported; they even took photos for one another and with each other. Although I supported Brazil, the fans’ sportsmanship warmed my heart. While we continued to wait outside, we all cheered and waved as the large comfort buses transporting the footballers drove passed. While I was in line waiting to enter, I even managed to say “Welcome to Cleveland” in Portuguese to a Brazilian family of four that was living in the United States. They were so happy to hear my salutation! Although I traveled through multiple states and saw landscapes like the Grand Canyon with my family, entering the stadium for the first time felt spectacular. I spent an hour before the game started just walking around, learning about our city’s great landmarks. I even talked with some tourists and others who had already moved to the Cleveland area. We talked about our educational aspirations and my life at Tri-C. Eventually, I grabbed some snacks and found my seat.
Once the game began, I saw how the footballers’ positions on the field looked different in real time than on the screen at home. Watching the game live felt so awesome! The fanfare was spectacular, with people shouting in Arabic or Portuguese to support their team and holding banners of team camaraderie written in those languages. I loved the costumes so many fans wore, representing figures from the ancient world.
After the game ended, we had to walk southbound from Huntington Bank Field to Superior and E. 9th because of rerouting. Along the way, we kept chatting and taking photos. Some fans stopped by local eateries while others kept going past Superior Avenue to continue to explore the city. Unfortunately, I had to rush home to finish my assignments, since I’m still a student. Anyway, this day was full of amazing experiences!
Tri-C has given me the opportunity to enjoy these events I otherwise wouldn’t have participated in. I encourage everyone to give this school a chance; it will open so many opportunities and give you a sense of community. I love my life with Tri-C so much!
