Many college students will experience homesickness at some point during their college journey. On average, the median distance a college student will travel is within a 94-mile circumference; however, for most international students, the distance may literally be multiple countries away.
Around the globe, international students have been drawn to the United States seeking quality secondary educational opportunities and good jobs. Dixie State University embraces students from all backgrounds and offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to help bridge the financial gap and assist international students in creating a “home away from home” through involvement with International Student Services as well as the Multicultural & Inclusion Center.
In a celebration of diversity on campus, Dixie State students recently had the opportunity to showcase their cultures in the 2021 Mr. & Ms. DSU International Pageant. Participating students all gave spectacular performances including song and dance, cultural attire, and history. Students from all around the world, including Japan, Vietnam, Honduras, China, and Ecuador took the stage with smiling faces and heritage pride.
All the way from Nigeria, Ola Odejayi took home the title of Mr. DSU International with his striking performance on the piano and ability to connect with the audience through song. Finishing her junior year, Ayana Brown blew away the judges and audience members with her voice as she gave a phenomenal performance of her Native American tribal song from Canada, taking the crown as Ms. DSU International.
As Ola Odejayi prepares to walk this spring at graduation with a bachelor’s in biomedical sciences, he encourages all students to stretch their comfort levels by getting involved around campus as much as possible. “When you feel like you’re going to break, you are only growing. If you want to have a successful college career or life, you have to make sure you are maximizing your time. Also, talk to everyone!”
Ayana Brown also shared how she wishes she got involved around campus sooner. “As a freshman, I came in and treated school like a full-time job. I got really good grades, but I lacked the ability to have a fun lifestyle.” She went on to mention that attending all the Club Rush booths really boosted her ability to get involved with multiple clubs on campus and enhanced her overall college journey. “Once I started to get more involved, I realized how much fun and amazing our University is!”
No matter your major, cultural background, or age, there are countless opportunities to get involved on Dixie’s campus and create lifelong friendships and bonds with all those you come across.
Although these two international students may be many miles away from home, they have created a family of mentors, friends, and ample support at Dixie State. They are shining examples that no matter how far away you are from home, there is a unifying atmosphere of friendship and possibilities when you get involved and surround yourself with like-minded individuals.