We are ALL leaders, We are ALL JSU!

Taylor Bembery
Associate Editor

Jackson State University has approximately 90 countries represented on our campus of faculty, staff, and students. The top three countries include India, Ethiopia, and China. However, have we done enough to improve diversity and welcome international students?

This year the Student Government Association elections and International Week takes place at the same time from April 7- April 11. As an HBCU, it is obvious that the majority of the population will be black students; however more needs to be done to bring diversity to the SGA and the Miss JSU Pageant. No one is responsible for this lack of diversity; however it is a relevant topic.

The students at JSU know there is an elephant in the room between the divide of most international students and American students. Many students from other countries seem to stay in their own comfort zone by interacting mostly with other international students.

There have been many programs implemented to make foreign students feel at home. Recently the university hosted the first Holi Festival on March 27, which is a Hindu festival that celebrates the coming of spring and the victory of good over evil.

However, I feel the bridging of the gap between international and American students is still a struggle among the student body. We have to work together to not only promote diversity, but unity.

Both parties need to step outside their comfort zone by getting to know one another and making each other feel as if we are all one at JSU. No matter where we are from, we all want to represent the same school. I would love to see more diversity in the SGA.

Our international students represent our university on buses and advertisements but still are socially disconnected from the majority of the student body. We have to make our international students feel more welcomed by extending our hand. Imagine if you were from a different country, and lived far away from loved ones for months; even years. If I were them, I would want to feel socially accepted and apart of the student body of the university I attend.

It is time for more diverse student leadership at JSU. Since I have been at JSU, I can count on one hand the few SGA members in the past that were foreign students. More international students should get involved by vying for positions in the SGA and young women of different ethnicities should also consider running for the position of Miss Jackson State University.

I think more diverse leadership in our SGA will bridge the gap. So next election season, if you are an international student apprehensive about running for a position in the SGA, go for it!  It is not about whether you are Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Ethiopian, Columbian, American, etc. it is all about having a love and passion to lead and represent our dear ole college home of Jackson State University.