By Giselle Lee | Staff Writer
In Baylor’s fight song, the lyric “We’ll fling our Green and Gold afar” is often associated with graduates as they embark on their next chapter. Through the Center for Global Engagement Ambassador Program, however, some students are already lighting a way for new generations to follow on campus.
The CGE Ambassadors are a group of domestic and international undergraduate and graduate student leaders who assist new international students in their transition to Baylor. The ambassadors organize various programs through the International Student and Scholar Services Office, such as Global Bears Week, International Student Orientation and International Thanksgiving Dinner.
Katie Klingstedt, coordinator of international programs for the ISSS, said the ambassadors’ role is both practical and symbolic, extending beyond organizing events to serving as representatives who bridge cultures.
“Part of the role is first to represent Baylor to international students; we always say they do a big part of driving international culture because ambassadors are the first person that they’re meeting,” Klingstedt said. “They’re also representing the international students to Baylor because our office relies heavily on them for feedback on what’s happening with them.”
Singapore sophomore Pranav Manimurugan said he views his responsibilities with a “three-pronged approach,” with the most unique one being representing the CGE and international students.
“The ambassadors are called upon to speak on panels, as well as to anyone that wants to know more about the Center for Global Engagement,” Manimurugan said. “My main responsibility is to find ways to better encourage students to call Baylor their home and to make sure that these students do not alienate itself from the Waco or Baylor community.”
Klingstedt said the growing number of international students at Baylor has also increased students’ desire to give back. Many current CGE Ambassadors were inspired to apply after receiving support from previous cohorts.
“Now we get like 50 to 60 applicants for the positions every year,” Klingstedt said. “They want to turn around and pay it forward and help the next group that’s coming in.”
Klingstedt said she finds that commitment particularly meaningful among graduate and doctoral students.
“It’s very honorable, especially doctorate students, as they could easily spend all their time in the lab or in the classroom, but they choose to take time out to help the next group of students.”
For Manimurugan, a significant aspect of being a CGE Ambassador is connecting international students with resources and people who can help them navigate challenges.
“When I see a student in need, I try to fill the hole with resources to help the student find the person that they need in order to solve their problems,” Manimurugan said.
Marie-Claude Mutomb, a senior from Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, transferred to Baylor last year. She said the international student office helped ease her transition to studying in the U.S. and inspired her to help other students cultivate a sense of belonging on campus.
“I wanted to become an ambassador because I want to make sure that every and any student feels welcome,” Mutomb said. “I know how challenging it is to be an international student, so I want to make sure that I can help as many students as I can transition to a new culture, a new country and especially a new school of higher education.”
For Mutomb, being an ambassador not only allows students to share their own cultural traditions, but also discover Texas and American culture.
“I learned after moving to Texas that you can be having the worst day ever and someone who smiles at you or is nice to you, it just makes things way easier for you,” Mutomb said. “An important role of ambassadors is to go towards students and show them that not only do they belong in the international community but the Baylor community itself.”
Sri Lankan doctoral candidate Sandaru Fernando echoed the sentiment.
“If you stay in your own country, you won’t get opportunity to interact with many international students or people from the US,” Fernando said. “By being an ambassador, you are exposed to different cultures and traditions and people, which is a significant opportunity to learn about their religion or culture.”
Fernando said he sometimes accompanies his friends to church, despite not being a Christian. He said that it is important for students to “try different things” and actively seek opportunity for connection.
“International students need to know they can speak up and stand up for themselves; there are a lot of people here to help you,” Fernando said. “You can ask questions and there are always solutions that you don’t feel alone. We are there, whether academically or personally, to support you.”
The ISSS will be kicking off the academic year with its first event, International Snack Hour, at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the Sid Richardson Lobby. This month, students can try traditional snacks from Bangladesh.
