I entered college not knowing what to expect. I was not scared; I was excited. It was thrilling not knowing what was going to happen to me. I never knew that I would befriend international students, although I have always been drawn to those new to a location. Helping others in new situations is something that I do because I lived in a foreign country, Germany, for three years. The connection I made this time was different, though, because neither he nor I were uncomfortable or scared because of our intrigued, social, adventurous personalities. I typically am the person to approach others, but, in this case, he introduced himself to me.
It was the first week of school. My residence hall mates and I were taking advantage of college life by attending as many Endicott activities as possible. That night was Casino Night in the Student Center. My friends and I spread out, sitting at tables with available seats. There were a few other people at my table, including a boy, but I thought nothing of it; I just thought he was an ordinary boy. After we were finished playing the round of poker, I stood up to leave, only to hear a voice stop me. It was the guy. He introduced himself to me. I was stunned. Usually, I have to be the one to introduce myself to people due to others’ standoffishness. He told me that he was an international student from Egypt. This shocked me as much as his introduction; I never knew that colleges had international students. That was amazing! Suddenly, I had many questions to ask him, and our friendship made it possible for me to ask all my questions to him the whole year.
Because our residence halls were next to each other, it was impossible for us not to become friends. We walked by each other every day, crossing in front of the beautiful Endicott fountain. It always seemed that we crossed paths at the same spot: in front of that fountain.
There have been few epiphany moments that I have experienced, but one moment occurred when I was hanging out with my Egyptian friend. He, two others, and I were all playing beach volleyball at night, on the court near our residence halls. I cannot recall exactly what was said, but somehow we began discussing perspectives of the world. My friend talked about how everyone thinks that Egypt only has desert and camels, but it is much more similar to the U.S. than an American would assume. We all began laughing. Then, he said something else…
Though I forget his exact words, I will never forget the effect they had on me. He mentioned his desire for more individuals to experience studying abroad in order to remove stereotypes and biases and to broaden perspectives. My first international friend said that if people had the opportunity to talk the way that he and I were, then they would realize that others around the world are a lot more similar to them than they think. He spoke that if there was more understanding, then there would be world peace.
At his words, the Earth shifted beneath my feet; my vision exploded and zoomed out. I felt the world shrink and fit into my heart. Suddenly, I was looking at this outstanding person who lives across the world and he was expressing my exact hopes and thoughts. If we could get the world to shrink and fit into everyone’s heart, stereotypes would be shattered. My eyes were opened, and my perspective of the world was broadened. People around the world mostly have the same wants and dreams; some are just more privileged than others. I wish that people would be less prejudice and would get to know someone before judging them; I wish that individuals would not judge others based on ethnicity, social status, height, sexual orientation, race, religion, sex, or any characteristic regarding appearance. It is what is in one’s heart that truly counts.
After my revelation, we became close friends. We saw each other eye-to-eye. He introduced me to the other international students and brought me to the Intercultural Club meetings. I loved the international students. Each one was so unique and interesting, but, above all, they contained a genuine kindness and appreciation that I do not find in most Americans. I could count on seeing them at their international table in the Callahan dining hall. It was their spot. Daily, I would walk over, expecting to only chat for a few minutes, to find myself discussing an array of topics for hours.
I just want to say thank you to my friend from Egypt. It really does simply take one person to change one’s life, and you changed my world. Thank you for being the glue that held everyone—the international students and I—together by always encouraging us to participate in fun activities as a group. Thank you for getting us to have a snowball fight, go into Salem, play volleyball, go swimming, and hang out at the lodge. Thank you for being so ambitious and adventurous. Thank you for making the most of your limited amount of time. You never took a moment for granted…
It took two years for me to connect with international students in the way that I did my freshman year. And guess what? I knew three facts the instant that I first conversed with them:
1. I would feel connected to them the way that I did freshman year.
2. My knowledge of the world would be expanded by hearing their perspectives and learning about their countries.
3. Our friendships would be everlasting.
I was right, but I never knew how deep our connections would be. Everlasting bonds were formed, and still extend across the world from my heart to my international friends’ hearts…
Dear reader, if you ever get a chance to reach out to an international student, do it! They want to hear your perspective as much as you want to hear theirs. Your life will be altered, and understanding will be created. It is a mutually beneficial friendship, for you are given insight on their country, while they learn about the U.S. from you. When they go home, they inform loved ones in regards to their opinions of the U.S. changing due to their positive experiences.
It takes a person with an open mind to genuinely experience the charm that international students provide in its entirety. It takes a person who is not afraid to say goodbye if it means gaining more than is lost when they return home. It’s your choice. You can just take New England and keep your narrow mindset, or you can have the world. What do you say? There is enough space in your heart to fit the world, so open it up.
