During my junior year of college, I had the pleasure of dorming in the Hart Hall Global Living and Learning Center. As SUNY Oswego’s only international residence hall, Hart provided me with limitless opportunities and unique experiences, which I could not have gained anywhere else. True, I had all of the privileges of living right in the center of campus, adjacent to Cooper Dining Center and Cooper Fitness Center, and almost directly across from the library (where I can often be found working and studying). And yes, I also enjoyed the benefit of having a kitchenette on my floor and a computer lab just one floor below me, but it was more than that.
One of the best things about living in Hart is that the residents are more than just fellow students; they are part of a loving and supportive family. Hart is a vibrant community full of people from all different walks of life. Moving in at the beginning of the school year, I never expected to meet so many incredibly diverse individuals with such interesting cultures and customs. Living in Hart really helped me come out of my shell and befriend people with whom I might have never otherwise interacted. I was amazed to discover that they were just as dedicated and passionate about their studies as I was.
As a Global Living and Learning Center, Hart Hall requires that all residents enroll in IST 190/390, a one-credit course designed to involve students in experiences related to global awareness that occur outside of the classroom. The class mandates that all students attend a total of six thought-provoking events (including lectures, panel discussions, concerts, films, art exhibits, etc.) per semester in order to promote academic excellence and social responsibility. These events can cover a wide range of fascinating topics: cultures, customs, religion, history, politics, and more. Following each event, students must either write a reaction paper or participate in a discussion in order to relate what they have learned. At many of these events, I had the privilege of hearing about current issues and was inspired to take action, both locally and globally.
The IST class also requires that students complete 10 hours of community service per semester (at least five hours must be done at one location). I decided to spend my hours at Bishop's Commons at St. Luke as part of SUNY Oswego's Adopt-A-Grandparent program, where I participated in a variety of planned activities with senior citizens each week. Not only did living in Hart greatly enhance my awareness of global issues, but it also taught me the value of volunteer work and the intrinsic reward that comes with serving members of my community.
Another advantage of living in Hart was that I, along with several of my classmates, had the honor of being part of the annual Global Awareness Conference, a two-day event meant to educate and inform members of the Oswego community about worldwide cultures and international issues—through lectures, posters, exhibits, demonstrations, and more. My presentation focused on aging in Sweden, covering such topics as cultural views and treatment of the elderly; demographic, economic, and social themes; and recommendations for social change. It was incredibly satisfying to be able to present my research and openly exchange ideas with both professors and classmates. I definitely look forward to participating in similar events, both academically and professionally, in the future.
Moving out of Hart at the end of the school year was difficult, to say the least. I had to say goodbye to many international students I had become really close to, knowing very well that I might never see them again. But I can say with absolute certainty that regardless of time or distance, I will never forget the exceptional individuals I met there, the incredible lessons they taught me, and the amazing memories we shared together. Hart Hall opened my eyes to so many new things—including the importance of global engagement, social responsibility, and cultural sensitivity—but most of all this: despite our differences, whatever they may be, we are still very much the same.
