By Tony Peng
The International Student Panel Discussion of the Spring 2016 semester was held at Gallery Lounge (107 W Olmstead) on January 28, 2016 from 11:20 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. As the spring semester unfolds, 30 fresh faces from diverse cultural backgrounds had been added to the Penn State Harrisburg community. However, many of those new international students were experiencing their first time away from their home country and family, and it is the prior responsibility for us Global Ambassadors to guide them through their tough periods and show them that we are here for them all the time.
This event was hosted by our global ambassadors Ruta Dandekar, a graduate student from India and Chubo (Tony) Peng, a freshman undergraduate student from China. 8 other Global Ambassadors were also present that day: Liping (Cindy) Qin [Grad.] from China, Krishna Gadia [Grad.] from India, Valentina Monroy [Grad.] from Chile, Bassam Alshamari [Undergrad.] from Saudi Arabia, Hande Hakkoymaz [Grad.] from Turkey, Mohamed Almeraikhi [Undergrad.] from the United Arab Emirates, Orn Ngarmcroh [Grad.] from Thailand, and Ali Ayub [Grad.] from Pakistan. A fair amount of international students and Global Ambassadors attended and/or served at the event, and we are also embraced to see a large presence of our very own Penn State Harrisburg faculty staff members.
(Pictures of hosts and panelists; picture courtesy of Calida Gao)
During the discussion, all Global Ambassadors at the panel along with the hosts shared their experience of experiencing and overcoming their hardships with the attendants. All of them provided the questionnaires compelling explanations and valuable advice. Everyone who presented their questions and answers conveyed their positive values and exposed their good manners. In the end, the highly inspired staff members introduced themselves and the resources they offered to the new students, finishing this event at a high voice.
The International Student Panel Discussion held by the International Student Support Service (ISSS) at Penn State Harrisburg every semester provides a bridge between new students and campus resources. By providing useful help to the ones in need, this event also provides Global Ambassadors a perfect opportunity to enhance their values and responsibilities. The means of leadership and service is what it means to become Global Ambassadors at Penn State Harrisburg, because we represent the pride of Penn State, and the pride of on-campus diversity.