However, gracious God made things possible in the face my chaotic life. In this last issue of the semester, I want to review what I have encountered through these nine months of American life.
The biggest term that revolves around me was “identity.” Through the ESL classes, which first year international students were required to take, and human relations classes, I learned the importance of knowing one’s background.
Even though I’ve spent 18 years living in a multiracial country, I did not really concentrate on learning my family backgrounds or ethnic identity. One pre-requisite to settling in the United States is to know who I really am. It is not uncommon to hear people asking “What are you” when they first met me. “Asian?” “Are you a Chinese or Malay?” “How did you learn English?”
This caused me to ask myself, deeply, which culture I really belong to. Knowing who oneself is helps in forming values and beliefs, as well as getting a sense of belongingness in the community.
Before transferring to SCSU, I studied a year or so at a college in Malaysia. I remembered debating over “Pros and Cons: Accepting the American Ways of Life” in my college English writing course. As the third speaker of the debate team, I argued that “accepting” does not equal “adapting.”
After living here long enough to know what the real American ways of life are, I find that accepting one’s living patterns without adapting is merely impossible.
Just a side bar to the discussion: What are the American ways of life? Is it drinking and partying on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday through Sunday; wearing shoes in dorms; playing football, baseball and hockey; and eating pizza and hamburgers for breakfast?
I survived through these practices since fall last year.
However, international students who are not used to these “customs” should not feel obligated to follow them. It is disappointing to see many international students fall into the “party” captivation. Nonetheless, I personally think that individual values can still be preserved under these circumstances.
Of course, there are many other moral values that I find well to be learned here.
I experienced so much more friendliness and honesty from the citizens here in the States than my home country.
Lastly, I admire the efficiency of administration in the University. Thus far, I have not seen any organizations performed such effectiveness at management level. I remember how frustrated I was every time I had to go to the bursary department in my previous college, and wait in a long queue, just to pay my tuition.
Using the e-mail system as an official way for communications is a brilliant idea. Every time I have questions about my course or assignments, my answers are just a few clicks away.
I am also in awe of the student organizations here on campus, especially the student run media. As a mass communications major, I find that the University’s facilities have provided me a chance to practice my skills. Not only that, I get paid for doing what I have passion in.
Right after finals, I will be returning Malaysia for the summer break.
Besides the warm weather, I look forward to share my priceless experience I had in the United States with my friends and family members.Jason Tham | Columnist
University Chronicle
