JSU welcomes Mexican students through Proyecta 100,000 program [GALLERY]

William H. Kelly III
Editor-in-Chief

Jackson State University is providing over 20 Mexican students the opportunity to experience American culture through the Proyecta 100,000 program.

Initiated by President Barack Obama and President Enrique Peña Nieto in May of 2014 and continuing its third year at JSU, Proyecta 100,00 grants students from Mexico and the United States to travel and experience the culture and education of both countries.

The exchange students celebrated their entry into program at a reception held in the Student Center ballroom on Oct. 11, where they were introduced to some of the domestic students.

“We are very proud to be a part of this program because the more we learn about each other, the more we learn how to live peaceably with each other and this most certainly is a step in the right direction,” said Priscilla Slade, special assistant to the provost for JSU Global and community colleges.

During their one-month experience at JSU, the students will are participating in a variety of events, including a campus tour, the Mississippi State Fair, seasonal sports, museums, and even a visit to New Orleans, just to name a few, according to Shirley Harrison, executive director of the International Visitors Center of Jackson and the spirit team coach/advisor, who said that the visitors want to experience everything.

Juan Hernandez, mechatronics engineering major from Guadalajara, Mexico is ready to experience the American culture.

“I am looking forward to becoming more fluent in my English because I think I can communicate right now but I still make a lot of basic mistakes. Also, I want to get to know better about the culture here because this is a great opportunity because this is a part of America that I didn’t know, here in Mississippi,” said Hernandez. “We have only been here for two days but so far its been really good.”

Gaby Becerra, political science major from Guadalajara, Mexico said that it is different in Mississippi.

“It is good, the weather is something new, the food is little bit tasty and sweet, down home it is spicier,” said Becerra.

Jeremy Grishby, a sophomore Spanish major from Jackson, Miss., is one of the international student ambassadors who assists in welcoming international students.

“International programs are very important because you really want to make sure that they (international students) are involved and they feel comfortable and very welcome on the university campus. It is very important for us to be able to speak with them and communicate with them and also just to be able to help them learn their English better,” said Grishby.

The university encourages all students to join in welcoming and greeting the Proyecta 100,000 exchange students to the Tiger family as they venture around the campus.

Photos by William H. Kelly III