The following word clouds were created by Chinese international student Geliang Jack Song on tagxedo.com to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

by Hyewon Yun, South Korea

I am from Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, a fast-paced metropolitan city of over 10-million people. Every bit of your daily routine is a competition when you live with so many people in such limited space: shoving and pushing is a must to take a subway or a bus during rush hours. Throwing yourself into the closing doors of an already moving car is optional.  If you drive, you need to change lanes constantly to make any progress in the heavy traffic that runs at the average speed of 8.6 miles an hour. You have to run to grab a lunch table because other office workers with growling stomachs are pouring out of building after building. You have to be even faster to squeeze a minute and stand in line to secure a cup of Starbucks coffee before going back to the office. It is unnecessary to discuss how crazy it is to get an admission to the country’s prestigious schools, land a good job, buy a house in a good neighborhood, et cetera, et cetera.

Now imagine how I felt when I first arrived in South Bend, Indiana, USA. Everything was very low.  And it looked empty. This was what struck me first: few tall buildings, few glaring neon signs, few hip restaurants or coffeehouses, and even fewer people on the street – the sky and the land, and almost nothing in between. I was dumbfounded, muttering to myself, “Oh my god. Now am I going to spend two years here? Can I…?” My husband kept apologizing for dragging me into such a remote place. 730 days in the States were waiting for me like a long, desolate road under the wide sky.

At first, I thought the wide open sky of South Bend was like an IMAX screen, and then, I was amazed by the colorful and diverse shows on nature’s screen: the morning breaking with golden strands of sunshine, the endless expanse of true blue, the crimson and purple feathers of clouds during sunset, the darkening veil of the night cooled by balmy breezes, the dazzling gleams of the frozen sky after a snowfall… The shows were beyond my wildest imagination, and the sky’s repertoire seemed limitless.  Under the sky, busy and crowded was the land. It was inhabited by a variety of wildlife such as wild geese, ducks, herons, swans, rabbits, chipmunks, cardinals, robins, fireflies, deer and many more creatures. Shy spring buds of tall trees became a commanding thick green and then turned into billowing huge balls of yellow, brown or red before finally being blanketed with quiet snow. All these sights were inexplicably relaxing and soothing, which touched my soul. While driving along the streets lined by the old trees with mellow autumn colors, I often realized that tears were rolling down my face.

However, it was only a prelude to the American West. During my husband’s summer break, we travelled 13,000 miles, visiting most of the national parks in the West.  I saw endless mountain ridges, towering peaks, otherworldly shaped rocks, scorching dry deserts, dizzily deep canyons, bottomless cliffs, unbelievably clear lakes, and gigantic falls.  They were high, vast and deep.  They were barren and silent.  They were also embracing and comforting.  How small and powerless humans are!  How meaningless human anxiety, insecurity and greed are!  I took mental photos of these moments so that I would remind myself of this message whenever I am clouded by doubt, vanity or restlessness.

I had been tired of the unforgiving pace of the urban life even before I came to the States. I had often said that I wanted to live closer to nature. But I did not visualize what it would be like. Now I understand and believe in Mother Nature’s healing power: it is the chicken soup for the soul, meditation for the spirit, and a remedy for the body. That was the moment my husband and I started to discuss where and how we would live once we get back to Korea. We used to say that we would leave Seoul and lead a quieter life someday, but where, when and how are now more specific.

People were also what I found between the sky and the land in America. I’ve met many amazing people in this town, which had looked so empty at first sight. My teachers at ISSA’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program for international spouses, Ann, Beverly, and Mary, were the ones who happily became the safety net for me and my fellow students, whenever we get confused about who we are and what we are doing or suffer from identity conflict, loneliness and isolation away from home. My volunteer tutor, Teresa, invited my husband and me to her family’s Easter dinner, saying that her family often has guests for holidays, and that she learned it from her parents who had always done the same. She was the one who taught me that the spirit of American holidays is sharing, not just shopping, eating or having fun.

I, an atheist, was unsure when I was first invited to the Korean ladies’ Bible study group. But the group turned out to be very inclusive and welcomed those who have different religions or none.  They prayed for each other, shared homemade Korean delicacies, and helped those in trouble. The leader of the group arranges weekly meetings, preparing only the best available food and giving a ride to anyone who has no transportation. One lady in the group plants tomatoes, sesame, cucumbers and many other vegetables in her micro-backyard; composts and nurtures them during summer; and happily shares the harvest with everyone else in autumn.  Another group member put up a family returning to Korea for a week when the family’s apartment contract expired. These experiences showed me that this world does not have only takers, but givers.

One of the highlights in my American life is cooking. I never cooked back home, but cooking is the bread-and-butter issue of survival here, because, first, it is a mission impossible to find a good restaurant in this town that caters to Korean tastes; and second, groceries are inexpensive here, but restaurant services aren’t. This was by far the most imminent and toughest domestic task for me, but it turned out to be the most rewarding achievement in my whole life. I found that nothing gives me more joy than looking at happy smiles spread on the faces of the people I love after they take a first bite of my food, and that no other achievement I have ever made has brought more bliss to others.  The plates of my food were often returned with much more food, and the love and care I showed to others were returned with much more love and care. The virtuous cycle of sharing was endless.

I had never been interested in serving people in such a way in Korea, and I could not afford to when I was so preoccupied with the relentless daily rat race there. But I realize now that it can make a bigger difference than any diploma, well-paying job, or higher corporate position can. After all, great ideas or endeavors can better reach out to people only when they are accompanied by love and compassion.

“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” – Corinthians 13:2

by Thomas La, USA

Hi! My name is Thomas La and I am from Houston, TX.  I am currently a senior Psychology and pre-professional major and I hope to go to dental school after ND.

My time at Notre Dame has been great so far.  Although I am an American citizen, my parents came to the USA from Vietnam so I can identify a bit with international students.  Coming to ND, I will admit I had a preconceived notion of what I thought it was going to be like, specifically with regard to diversity and culture on campus.  I had heard that ND was a homogenous school that catered mostly to a specific crowd of students, namely wealthy, white Catholics.  However, upon arriving at ND for frosh-o and my first week of college, my expectations were blown away.  Everyone here is so welcoming and kind, it is not hard to find your place.  There is something for everyone, whether you are Asian, White, Catholic, Muslim, man, woman, etc.  True, you may have to dig a little deeper, but I promise you there is something here for you.  Whether it is a cultural club, a team sport, or a hobby, there are people here that have the same interests as you.

New international students – I realize that adapting can be tough.  I urge you to embrace your new Notre Dame family and talk to everyone around you.  ND has such a great support network.   I wish you the best in the upcoming years!

What would you like international students to know about you?

I enjoy meeting new people and I am especially interested in meeting new international students in order to find things we have in common. It’s the best way to learn!

What do you like best about attending the University? What do you like least?

I like being able to control my time, and I like being around so many people my age, the vast majority are smart, interesting and friendly. I also can tell I am learning so much everyday from my classes and the people I meet. I can really feel myself becoming a more dynamic person on an ongoing basis.

I dislike the lack of privacy at University. I love having a roommate but I make a point to seek out spaces on campus where I can really be alone if I need it. It can also be difficult at times to be so far away from my family-it’s not that I necessarily miss home, but if I’m having a problem it’s often inconvenient to call them because of the time difference.

What challenges did you face during your first year at ND?

I had trouble with the fact that I didn’t quite know where I was. My family had just moved to Taiwan and I had never even seen my house. Before that I lived in Japan for all of high school, so that was where my friends were and the “home” I missed, but I couldn’t really say I was from there either, since I also grew up in the U.S. For a long time I felt at a loss because I am American but missing many of the basic experiences and interests most other American ND students have-like a love of football, or a strong political and religious background.

What advice would you like to give new students to help them succeed at the University?

Meet as many new people and join as many friend groups as possible. This is easiest in the first couple of weeks of school but you should really continue doing this all year. Not only do friends come in handy for emotional support, but they are my best resource when I need help with one of my classes.

Do you have any advice to help students adjust to life in the United States and at ND?

American people, especially ND students, are very  friendly. If you want your friends to appreciate you and your experiences, don’t be afraid to proactively share them. Consider organizing a culturally related dorm event, you’d be amazed by the response!

• On Monday, November 14, ISSA and The Career Center will host an International Student Etiquette Dinner from 6:00 – 7:30 pm in the Oak Room of South Dining Hall. Attendees will learn about formal meal etiquette as well as how meal etiquette varies throughout the world. This event is now full and registration is closed.

Song: Pumapatak Na Naman Ang Ulan

Artist: Apo Hiking Society

__________________________________________

I’m old enough now to know that this song has references to alcohol-which is probably the reason why my mother refused to teach it to me as a child, though I asked her to numerous times because I found it catchy.

Much of what I remember of the Philippines is soaking wet; streets with inadequate drainage formed temporary rivulets when the rainy season hit. Painted stripes on trees along the roads marked the levels at which the water would be cause for alarm. What alarmed me was that the markings were well above my head, and in that condition I doubted the swimming power of my own brown limbs. Our family was lucky in that our house wasn’t situated at the very bottom of a hill, and thus wasn’t likely to float away during the night (or, at least, that was ever the soothing explanation whispered by a weary parent already in bed).

Still, I don’t remember a single monsoon ever being severe enough to warrant blaring sirens and the summoning of thousands indoors into the nearest available windowless underground room. As I sat this afternoon in the basement of Lewis with my fellow Chicks during the severe weather warning, I was struck by this difference as I have grown up and come here: that now, I wait here, mostly grudging the interruption in my busy day, when back then I would be huddling over there, grasping the edge of my blanket up to my chin, wondering  how long I could stand to wait before I would need to glide over to the next room for some reassurance.

-AMCCBB

By Ava Lee, South Korea

Having grown up in large cities my entire life, I always thought I would end up going to college in a big city as well. I ended up choosing Notre Dame out of all the schools I got accepted into because I wanted to challenge myself. I knew ND was a Catholic university with very little diversity, but thought I would have the chance to meet new people and share my experiences with them as well.

It was challenging in the beginning because people around me simply didn’t understand my international background. The more time I spent with them, they started having more appreciation for my experiences, and I felt grateful that I had a chance to share this in a new environment. I was prepared to take on challenges and so from the beginning, I took the initiative to make more friends and step out of my comfort zone. I knew I was different, but felt proud of this difference. I would like to tell all international students to embrace their uniqueness.

I went to an American school for most of my life, so the adjustment process wasn’t as difficult for me, but I realized that there are certain aspects that I am clearly different and the only thing I can do is to simply accept this fact. I learned not to feel bad that I can’t fit in at all situations, but feel grateful that I have other experiences that can make up for it.

By Hyewon Yun, Korea

“America, the Beautiful.” This is what is written on my National Parks Pass, which allowed my husband and me to access all the amazing National Parks and Seashores at only $80. This summer, my husband and I drove 13,000 miles to explore America on our own. Our expedition could have been shorter and easier if we could spend more summers in the U.S., but we have to return to Korea next May right after my husband’s two-year MBA program is over. We wanted to make the most of our one and only summer break in America. Now, in retrospect, we did not know what we were getting into.

We mostly camped, because we had heard it is a great way to enjoy America’s West and our budget prohibited us from staying at motels every night. Some days out in nature were fun with a rest under the tree shade, a barbeque and star gazing at night; however, it was no longer fun when it became cold, rainy, windy and there was thunder and lightening. Oh, don’t forget the threatening warnings here and there about a bear’s potential visit! And our tent was too small, the air mattress gave us backaches, washing dishes in the rain was horrible, and a 5-minute walk to use a bathroom at 3 a.m. was more horrible. We put our 12-year-old marriage to the test. I found that it took a lot to be a kind and sweet wife when life was tougher (though I am not sure whether I was one even before we took off).

America’s amazing nature came closer to me once I gave up being pretty and charming during camping. Grizzly bears, bison, coyotes and elks were freely roaming on the wide fields at Yellowstone National Park. The towering mountain ridge with snowcaps at Grand Teton National Park took my breath away. The out-of-this-world hoodoos, or tent rocks, at Bryce Canyon were bewitching. Arizona’s Antelope Canyon was the unbelievable product of time, wind and water, and a marvel only Mother Nature could create. The full moon rising over Utah’s Delicate Arch was more dazzling and blinding than any sun. Angel’s Landing at Zion Canyon was the peak with dangerous ledges, which allows only an angel to land, but also has a view as imposing and enchanting as a real angel would be.

Yes, it is true: this country has the world’s biggest economy, spreads pop culture to the world, and has New York, Los Angeles and Disneyland – but, America’s nature is bigger than life. This is what no other place can offer. While fascinated by its grandeur and beauty, I often did not know that tears were rolling down my face and I was asking myself, “How can a person become evil in front of this beautiful nature?” America’s mountains were high, its canyons were deep, and its oceans were wide. How blessed America is to have such a huge and beautiful territory! And it dawned on me that this is it – this is what America shows me. I climbed up all the precipices, paddled the glacial lakes, trudged the dunes, and drove all the mileage day and night for the last three months to find – America the Beautiful.

By Dhiraj Pant, Nepal

Many of you have probably heard of the famous track “Kaa kaa kaa kaat-man-duuu” by Bob Seger. It also happens to be the place I hail from, the capital of Nepal. We are a tiny nation sandwiched between two giants: India and China. Nepal is known for her majestic inheritance of the scenic mountains in the Himalayan range and houses the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest, which is 8848 m above sea level. What is not so obvious though, is that according to Guinness World Records, we have the shortest man alive, measuring just 67 cm.

I am Dhiraj Pant, a graduate student in the Department of Economics. Back in college, I used to hear a lot about Notre Dame’s tradition, culture and values from my professors, friends and media. What really got me here, however, was the University’s philosophy on ‘unique spirit’ and being open to change. In particular, the development of the new economics program that provides training on policy-relevant research.

Apart from missing home, friends, food and weather, the most challenging aspect for me has been adjusting to a graduate student lifestyle. Given the demanding workload, I have little time to meet new people or to be involved in extracurricular activities. However, with the help of programs coordinated by offices like ISSA, I am able to balance my work and social life.

Overall, the college experience has been more than fruitful and I am looking forward to more great experiences in my remaining years here at Notre Dame.  Go Irish!