“A lot of times they use what’s called the blood quantum rule, so it dictates whatever percentage you are of Native American,” Canas said. “There’s also the tragedy of a lot of tribes nowadays; after the next generation, they will not be considered Native anymore. The whole philosophy and the identity behind it is dictated by the U.S. government, but currently, there is a big push between us to kind of build the identity for ourselves.”
Author: Chang Liu
“I love coming to the international student Thanksgiving dinner and celebration,” Livingstone said. “It’s great to celebrate the culture of our students from around the world and then to help them understand a very American tradition of Thanksgiving.”
Cardoza-Orlandi said minority groups in the U.S. are framed by the tension between Blacks and whites, the so-called racial binary. People like him that are not included in this range often seem to be invisible.
“I do think it has a great meaning, especially with the history and how it all started,” Chaves said. “I think it’s very nice to experience that in the whole week, and as an international student, I get a sense of home or belonging.”
“It was a safe space to come and to support people being whoever they are,” Hardie said. “They don’t have to worry about people judging them, saying rude things or not recognizing them for their true selves.”
“The whole certificate is about building beyond students to become global learners first and foremost, exposing students to intercultural humility, cultural awareness and having the ability to be able to interact with different ethnicities and backgrounds,” said Raphael Abayateye, assistant director of Global Engagement.
“A lot of international students have been saying that they feel like they don’t have a community here,” Zhou said. “I don’t think international students feel like they were receiving the support, and they didn’t know that there was a Center of Global Engagement department on campus.”
“Certain programs will offer classes that fit certain majors,” Whitlark said. “They’re like the one I do. We offer BIC courses, Great Texts courses and religion courses. So, if you’re looking for credits in those areas or you’re interested in those classes that we’re leading in, [choosing our program] is a great opportunity.”
As Baylor strives to recruit more international students as part of its Baylor in Deeds strategic plan, part of that process includes ensuring international students adjust and transition to life in America.
“Students may feel like I have to do it on my own, I need to solve it by myself, instead of asking for help,” Wainscott said. “Sometimes professors may not realize that you are shy to ask for help, and my advice for new students is that give yourself patience because it will take a little of time to get you done everything.”
