Ryan
Yet another school year begins. For some of us at Emporia State, it’s a familiar routine – check our classes, buy our books, catch up with old friends and make sure our financial aid went through.
But for others, life at ESU is a new experience.
Some are incoming freshman, eager young faces ready to learn and – in some instances – party. Others are transfer or non-traditional students, waiting to see what new opportunities our school can create for them. Still others are international students, of all different backgrounds, religions and cultures, who might not have any idea what to expect other than the typical pop-culture college references.
One thing is certain: all of us have a thread that bonds us together once we come to ESU. Because of that bond, we have a responsibility to make things on our campus better for everyone.
Once the initial excitement wears off and the daily grind begins, think about what you can do to make our campus more inclusive.
For instance, ESU boasts a large international student population. But why do we so often see American students only with other Americans and international students only with other international students?
There’s a large disconnect on our campus between these two groups and all of us should make a greater effort to meet people from other backgrounds and expand our knowledge of the world. That’s what college is about, isn’t it?
International students aren’t the only ones who would benefit from American friends. I cannot begin to explain in the space on this page how much I’ve learned in becoming friends with international students at ESU and how I’ve developed a greater cultural understanding because of those relationships.
It might feel strange to strike up a conversation with someone you don’t know or think you have nothing in common with, but the benefits will greater outweigh that initial awkwardness.
Perhaps an even greater disconnect at ESU is between the students and the community. People often think about ESU as a “commuter campus,” where students leave on the weekends to visit family or work. Some complain there aren’t enough jobs available in Emporia. Others say there just isn’t anything to do for fun. Student apathy is a problem.
We can help change that. Get people talking. Wish there was more live music in town? Want to bring more restaurants closer to campus? Do something about it. Write a letter to the editor. Meet with the ASG president. Talk to different Recognized Student Organizations. Visit with the people in charge of Main Street. The list goes on.
Most of the time, if our college experience hasn’t lived up to our own expectations, it’s because we didn’t do enough with what we were given. The tools are here, so use them.
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