George Tan
Blue & White FLASH/Staff Writer
Jackson State University is committed to creating a community that affirms and welcomes persons from diverse backgrounds and experiences and supports the realization of their human potential.
The JSU Diversity statement affirms that JSU recognizes that there are differences among groups of people and individuals based on ethnicity, race, socio-economic status, gender, exceptionalities, language, religion, sexual orientation, and geographical area. All persons are encouraged to respect the individual differences of others.
According to JSU Division of International Studies, in Fall 2011, JSU had approximately 267 international students (including English as a Second Language Institute) from 62 countries. The statistics for Fall 2012 are not finalized, but projected numbers indicate approximately 277 students from about 65 countries.
Many international students stated that they are proud to be at Jackson State.
“I love Jackson State University and couldn’t be prouder of attending it. JSU is way better than I thought it would be. I made the right choice choosing Jackson State,” saud Alain-Daniel Rafiki, a junior engineering major from Congo, Africa.
Another international student, Henrique de Oliveira Ganem who is originally from Brazil, expressed that he enjoys the diversified community that Jackson State has to offer.
“This is exciting that I can meet people from different countries. You are not only learning African-American culture, you’re learning about the world’s culture,” said Ganem.
Other students who were born in America also appreciate the diversity JSU has to offer.
“I enjoyed talking with people who have different backgrounds from me; that’s how we learn to embrace each others differences,” said Chris Windfield, a junior chemistry/pre-med major from Jackson, Miss.
He added, “Jackson State provides a platform for us to learn to be global citizens. I’m amazed by how much I learn from international students.”
ZhiKang Xiao, a graduate student from Beijing, China, said that he really enjoys attending an Historically Black College and University.
“I’m seeing the unseen part of America. I’m totally in love with the Southern hospitality. I miss home, but my brothers and sisters at JSU provide me strong support,” said Xiao.
Student Government Association President Brian Wilks said, “The SGA is committed to serve the student body and I strongly encourage involvement of more international students in campus activities. Our motto is “for the people”, and no matter which origin you are, we want to serve you and we want you to be involved”
Adrienne Graham, director of Office of Global Academic Diversity, also wants international students to feel at home at JSU.
“We aim to increase the diversity which will celebrate the differences and allow us all to learn and grow in a respectful, fair and safe atmosphere. Please reach out to a student or colleague today that is somehow different than yourself and try to learn at least one new aspect about his or her culture,” said Graham.
