Alexander Robinson
Associate Editor
During International Week at Jackson State University, international students have the opportunity to celebrate and share their cultural identities with the other students, faculty, and staff. This is a very important opportunity for all students to learn about other cultures present on campus.
The world is becoming smaller. This may seem like an obvious statement, but with international transportation becoming more easily available, and with the spread of the internet, nations are becoming more intertwined.
There is no better opportunity than now to realize the opportunities that a more globally diverse campus can present. Living in America, and attending an HBCU, it is easy to adopt a false sense of what the world is like beyond JSU.
By having a cultureally diversed campus, students are attending classes with students from far off lands and sometimes can view them as being different. This should not be the case.
These students are seeking the same thing we are, a chance for an education and a chance to better their lives and the lives of their families.
As JSU attracts more and more international students and becomes a global campus, students aspire to become international citizens. With that there is a need to know and understand the different cultures of the world that are present at JSU and to understand how global events can have a local effect.
Earlier this semester, I was able to become acquainted with Anas Alfarrera and Hussein Sadek. Both of these students have lived in Eqypt and were able to share with me exclusive insight into the revolution that was occurring there.
I was able to learn about the causes of the revolution and how the youth were able to spark the revolution using technology and social media. My relationship with these students showed me how the will of the people can be accomplished through dedication and persistence of those who want change.
All JSU students should take the opportunity to be a part of international week’s activities and to also reach out to international students.
They are living in a foreign land and a friendship can make their transition to JSU easier. This friendship can also provide valuable insight for both parties on the cultural differences we have, but more importantly on our cultural similarities.
Commentary expresses the views of the writer, not that of The Flash or Jackson State University. Alexander welcomes comments at theflash@jsums.edu.
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