We're All International!
Graham Cromie
Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: Opinion
I would bet every last cent that I currently own (sum total= 5/6 cent, oh wait, I've a dollar or two on my den card), that every one of us has at one stage committed the following acts of 'anti socialness.' And if I am being brutally honest, this includes my skinny self.
Anti- social scenario 1: Ok, so its 1oclock and you are hastily meandering your way past Pioneer Hall, negotiating the water fountain and low and behold, you spot an international student or, heaven forbid, a group of internationals. Probably the first thought that comes to your head is 'Ok I can take this path, skip past them and I'll be throwing down pizza slices before Frank Roth can say 'Know your goals'!
Anti-social scenario 2: Your late for 8 o'clock class (because you stayed up all night watching re-runs and laughing hysterically at an Asian guy throwing his shoe at George Bush all night) and instead of sitting beside the French girl who may be sitting on her own, or the Japanese guy who looked completely puzzled, you choose to maintain the status quo and pull up next to your buddy from the basketball team or the hot girl you just met during the weekend who hopefully remembers your name.
These are just some of the circumstances that everyone here on campus encounters everyday. Simple scenarios such as the above, on their surface appear to be daunting to some and 'not worth the bother' to others. It is easy to shy away from a situation of which we are unfamiliar. However, that makes life so mediocre! Instead of skipping on past the international students to feed your gut at the canteen before it decides to fall out, approach them and say 'Hello, or 'What's up' or whatever spiel you wish to adopt to satisfy your coolness.
Most species that talk are classified as human and the majority of us thankfully choose not to bite. So at least you are safe in that regard. You will find that all of the international students are friendly fun people (apart from that boring kid that resembles a leprechaun), who all have interesting stories about their own Country's, their experiences and how they too have procrastinated now for weeks on their macroeconomics revision.
You will be surprised at what you learn, and guess what- you might actually gain a new friend from some interesting and obscure part of the world. What's to say that in 10 years time you're not invited to a chattel dinner party in the south of France, a trip to the Confucius temple in Taiwan or a pint or 7 in one of Belfast finest Irish bars? So, grab a handful of courage, approach someone you haven't before and then thank me for advising you to do so. (All checks should be sent to box #217, cheers). The International Club is now open for all students, where we meet once a month to discuss ideas, have international dinners, engage in activities such as a trip to the zoo and cinema ( modest financial commitments), and have dinner with professors and ourselves in the Stewart Dining Hall where everyone is welcome. For those of you whose 'coolness' will not be shattered beyond repair by the above, then come along, you will not regret it, it may be the best decision you ever make.
Anti- social scenario 1: Ok, so its 1oclock and you are hastily meandering your way past Pioneer Hall, negotiating the water fountain and low and behold, you spot an international student or, heaven forbid, a group of internationals. Probably the first thought that comes to your head is 'Ok I can take this path, skip past them and I'll be throwing down pizza slices before Frank Roth can say 'Know your goals'!
Anti-social scenario 2: Your late for 8 o'clock class (because you stayed up all night watching re-runs and laughing hysterically at an Asian guy throwing his shoe at George Bush all night) and instead of sitting beside the French girl who may be sitting on her own, or the Japanese guy who looked completely puzzled, you choose to maintain the status quo and pull up next to your buddy from the basketball team or the hot girl you just met during the weekend who hopefully remembers your name.
These are just some of the circumstances that everyone here on campus encounters everyday. Simple scenarios such as the above, on their surface appear to be daunting to some and 'not worth the bother' to others. It is easy to shy away from a situation of which we are unfamiliar. However, that makes life so mediocre! Instead of skipping on past the international students to feed your gut at the canteen before it decides to fall out, approach them and say 'Hello, or 'What's up' or whatever spiel you wish to adopt to satisfy your coolness.
Most species that talk are classified as human and the majority of us thankfully choose not to bite. So at least you are safe in that regard. You will find that all of the international students are friendly fun people (apart from that boring kid that resembles a leprechaun), who all have interesting stories about their own Country's, their experiences and how they too have procrastinated now for weeks on their macroeconomics revision.
You will be surprised at what you learn, and guess what- you might actually gain a new friend from some interesting and obscure part of the world. What's to say that in 10 years time you're not invited to a chattel dinner party in the south of France, a trip to the Confucius temple in Taiwan or a pint or 7 in one of Belfast finest Irish bars? So, grab a handful of courage, approach someone you haven't before and then thank me for advising you to do so. (All checks should be sent to box #217, cheers). The International Club is now open for all students, where we meet once a month to discuss ideas, have international dinners, engage in activities such as a trip to the zoo and cinema ( modest financial commitments), and have dinner with professors and ourselves in the Stewart Dining Hall where everyone is welcome. For those of you whose 'coolness' will not be shattered beyond repair by the above, then come along, you will not regret it, it may be the best decision you ever make.
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