Students Share Changed Views

Each year the Mu Chapter of Phi Beta Delta and the UNC Charlotte International Club host a writing contest, "Crossing Borders", open to ELTI students*, undergraduate and graduate students. The theme this year was "How My International Experience Changed My View of the World" and students compiled essays highlighting how their interaction with the world, sometimes beyond the borders of UNC Charlotte and sometimes within, had changed their understanding of the world over time.

In the next several days, we'll showcase some of these essays on 'Niner International so check back in the next week or so for different stories.

*ELTI students are with the English Language Training Institute at UNC Charlotte - part of the Office of International Programs - and are students from around the world who come to ELTI to improve their English skills for career advancement or for university matriculation.

Our first story is from Jingjing Zhao, an international student with ELTI, who compares life to a musical composition that encompasses a variety of genres.

How My International Experience Has Affected My View of the World

To be an international student, I am very proud of myself. I still remember clearly the first day I decided to study abroad on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. I carried my dream and aspirationto the United States. Since being here for one year and three months, I experienced the American high school and college, and travled through several states. At the same time, I also got a secret collection which is about how my international experience has affected my worldview. Today, I am going to open this secret cabinet. If life is like a complete piece of music notes, I have enjoyed the rock chapter, jazz genre, and classical section.

Like rock music has simple accompaniment but strong rhythm, my international experience can be elegant but inspiring. The first time I walked into the Myers Park High School, I could feel the energy which is truly unique and fresh. After two semesters, it insipired me to be creative. I felt many Mustangs [Myers Park HS mascot] are filled with energy to create. Especially by the time they turned in their projects, I was shocked. I also learned many strategies from them, and finally I came out my very unique anthology. At that moment, I figured out high school is not only about paper and homework, but also attractive and inspiring.

If you ask me what type of music I would use to define America, I would say jazz, because jazz is very hard to define, and it has many distinctive styles; just like America which is a very diverse country. Since I attended the ELTI program at UNC Charlotte, I have met many awesome friends. They are from all around the world; most of them could speak four or five languages. They make me truly understand on eo fhte well-known saying from Confucius who is a famous philosopher, educator and musician in China. He expressed, "There is always someone to learn from." My classmates always have many enjoyable thoughts I can learn from.

In the similar way, every time I visit other states, I would always get a lot of unexpected knowledge. Take last summer holiday as an example; we went to Los Angeles. When we were on the airplane, the lady next to me taught me four words: gratitude, forgive, love and donate. She explained to me gratitude decides your attitude. Every night before you go to sleep, recite aloud at least ten things for which you are grateful. Forgiveness makes your life much easier. Let go of the past. Forgive those who have hurt or angered you. Stop carrying this poison around wiht you every day. Love connects human even if they are far away from you. Be sure to tell those people in your life who mean so much to you that you love them and appreciate them. And the last one is donation which makes people feel thankful. Go through your closets, and anything you haven't worn or used in the past year, box it or bag it and take it to a place where those who are less fortunate will benefit from your donation. Now, no matter where I go, what I do, I always keep these four words in my mind, because it influenced me quite a bit, it changes my life attitude, and improves my life standard.

Last but not least, my favorite music genre is classical music which requires advanced musical skills - for example, learning the ragas and the ability to coordinate with other musicians. Similarly, the relationship between the United States and China has been coordinated. Last November, I was honored to take part in the Confucius Institute Grand Opening. I truly felt regardless of gender, religion, race, and social status, people are treated equally in education. What is more, education also connects the relationship between the two super powers.

Life is like a complete piece of music notes; it has much different kind of rhythm, lyrics, and melody. No matter what type of genres you do like, eventually you will understand music can touch the core of the heart; you will find out what is the truth of human life. Now, having these international experiences, I am ready to get on another journal.

~Jingjing Zhao, ELTI student

Pics & Links: Fox News Rising & Study Abroad

Just so you have proof that there were, in fact, people awake at 5 AM at UNC Charlotte yesterday, here are some pics from our Fox News Rising adventure before the Study Abroad Fair.

We were told that snippets of the show would be available online at some point so check back regularly to Wilson's World to see a bit of the excitement and possibly some student interviews!

The early morning crowd!

The debut of the NINER interNATIONal t-shirt

modeled by leaders of the Education Abroad Association

The blur is meant to demonstrate how the world looks behind

the haze of "waking up" before the sun....

...or it's just camera-user-error.

Still, great support from the students - thanks for coming out!

Interview with Rebecca Hallatschek

Your illustrious Education Abroad staff - kudos on a job well done!

More photos are available on our Facebook page - "UNC Charlotte - International Programs"

Study Abroad 24/7 on 4/27 - TV, Fair, RFC, web site, general advising....

You have no reason not to check out study abroad at UNC Charlotte after Wednesday, April 7. It doesn't always work out in our office to have a unit doing a full day of programming - from 5 AM to 3:30 PM. On Wednesday, we'll have over 10 hours of opportunity for promoting, supporting, talking about and being involved with study abroad.

Check out Fox News Rising between 5-8 AM to see International 'Niners talking about their study abroad experiences. Then, as you walk to the Student Union, check out the Study Abroad Fair in the plaza between the College of Education and the College of Health and Human Services. You can pick up information about various study opportunities overseas, talk to advisors, set up a time to get an overview of the process and financial aid opportunities.

As if that's not enough, if you've not checked in to Radio Free Charlotte (you need to do that anyway), check out the show at 3 PM for a half hour of chatting about study abroad and international UNC Charlotte. Hosted by DJ, and former guest blogger, Jonathan Beltz and Lead Advisor in the Office of Education Abroad, Melissa Watkins.

If you can't figure out after all that how to study abroad and who to talk to, the Education Abroad web site is full of study options, pictures, scholarship information and contact information (and it's 24/7).

Think you know about it and want to check it out more, general advising is open for students just like you - sign up in the Office of Education Abroad, 2nd floor of the College of Health and Human Services (room 256).

What's your excuse?

UNC Charlotte's Stop the Traffik Hosts 21st Century Emancipator: Aaron Cohen

Originally posted on CLTBlog on 3/26/10, this is a guest post by Jessica Green about an upcoming event at UNC Charlotte.

Human trafficking, the purchasing and selling of people against their will, is currently the fastest growing international crime and second largest source of illegal income in the world. According to the International Labour Organization, 2-4 million men, women, and children are trafficked across borders and within their own country every year and more than one person is trafficked across borders every minute. Not only is this a rampant international crime, but it rears its ugly head in Charlotte as well. In October of 2009, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents launched a focus on human trafficking, smuggling, and exploitation in Charlotte after the breakup of an immigrant sex ring in April 2009.


Stop the Traffik, a student organization chapter at UNC Charlotte, is sponsoring proclaimed 21st century emancipator,

Aaron Cohen…

Where: UNC Charlotte’s Student Union – Room 340 G,H, & I
When: Thursday, April 8th
Time: 7pm
Cost: FREE (with student ID); $5 (non-students)

A previous rock and roll star from band, Jane’s Addiction, Cohen has dedicated his life to covertly rescuing slaves from Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. He travels abroad, pretends to be a sex tourist, and rescues men, women, and children as young as eight from bondage and forced protitution. Cohen is also founder of the Abolish Slavery Coalition and author of “Slave Hunter: One Man’s Worldwide Quest to End Human Trafficking.” Join us to learn more about the realities of human trafficking in our world and the city of Charlotte, as well as how you can take part in unlocking freedom.
*Co-Sponsored by UNC Charlotte Student Government Association and Office of International Programs; and the World Affairs Council of Charlotte.

Check out Stop the Traffik UNC Charlotte’s blog or follow them on Twitter.

Remarkable Women: Ikhlas Brais

We just finished recognizing the achievements of 42 UNC Charlotte faculty, staff and students at a lovely event with guest speaker Ambassador Linda Tarr-Whelan. We had women from Pakistan, Mongolia, Vietnam, Japan, Russia, India, Zimbabwe and many other countries as well as men from around the world. While our event highlighted those who are part of the UNC Charlotte community, several events in the Charlotte area also celebrated international women. And indeed, remarkable women exist around the world - some we are fortunate enough to meet through class, work and common interests and others live outside our 'eight degrees of separation' in Charlotte and beyond.

The guest blog below highlights a remarkable woman from the Charlotte community - originally from Jordan, written by a remarkable student.

Guest blogger: Natasha Williams

Snapshot
Age: 45
Favorite color: Doesn’t have a favorite color. She likes all colors.
Favorite Food: She likes any Middle Eastern food, and she loves desserts
Embarrassing moment no one knows about: When I was really young I was eating at a Mexican restaurant and a cockroach crawled into my pants. I screamed so loud.
Hobby: Likes to exercise and take pictures.
Random thing most people don’t know: She bites her nails really badly and that’s why she wore acrylic nails her entire life.

While “Sweet Dreams” techno mix plays in the background of the flawlessly cleaned two-story home, Ikhlas “Kelly” Brais scurries around to find something else to clean. She reaches for a neatly folded rag lying on the counter to wipe the already-spotless stainless steel dishwasher. It may appear clean to the casual observer, but Brais sees beyond the shine to notice a few drops of water.
 
She interrupts her cleaning spree to place cheddar flavored Chex Mix and pistachios on the counter and check her BlackBerry. The one-hundred percent Jordanian businesswoman manages to cook and clean in her purple sweater dress and black leggings, purple eye shadow, well-managed hair and a matching tourmaline earring and necklace set. She does it all without breaking a sweat.

The Jordan native works hard to provide for her family and beat all odds. Brais comes from humble beginnings. “I am one of nine children,” said Brais. “We lived off one income and we built our own home. We lived comfortably, but we still had to watch what we did. We couldn’t do too much.”

Brais never neglects her wifely and motherly duties for work. “Work is time consuming, but I always find time for my family,” she said. “I am a very organized person and I try to make time for everything.” Brais’ daughter, Sayde, admires her mother’s work ethic.

“A lot of people wouldn’t know by just looking at her, but she is one of the hardest working individuals. I have to say that I admire this quality in her more than anything,” she said. “My family and I have been through many struggles, yet she has never let those difficulties defeat her spirit. She continues to fight for the well-being of her family.”

Brais moved to California at 15 years old and found it a bit difficult to adjust. She never felt like she fit in with the people or the language. She never spent time perfecting Arabic in Jordan, but instantly had to improve her ability to speak English in the US.

She knows how to read and write both Arabic and English, but sometimes finds it difficult to verbalize her feelings. She said she feels like the movie “Lost in Translation.”

Brais somehow manages the language barrier enough to own businesses and sell houses with partner of two years, Phyllis Salerno, at the real estate company Wilkinson & Associates Real Estate.

She started her first business when she was 25 years old, and she did it without a traditional high school education. She completed high school via mail. Brais attempted completing high school twice. The first time she was forced to leave.

“I loved school,” said Brais. “The first time I was forced to leave. When I met Joe, I just wanted to spend as much time as possible with him, so I finished my education at home,” said Brais.

Joe said it was love at first sight with Brais. The first time he saw Brais he told his salesman he was going to marry her. Six months later they were married.

Joe brags about his wonderful wife and how they met. “I owned a juice company in California, and I was introducing the juice to her brother’s store,” he said. “After I saw her I kept coming back. I got eggs and a certain movie every time. I didn’t even watch the movie.”

Communication and loyalty keeps the 22-year-long marriage alive and well. “I kick her ass every once and a while to keep the relationship fresh,” Joe said, jokingly. “No, we communicate and don’t try to hide things, and we don’t let anyone come between us.”

Brais does it all for the well-being of her family. So, don’t be surprised to see the energetic, Jordanian woman looking flawless in a sweater dress while cleaning her two-story home, cooking and conducting business on her BlackBerry all at the same time. She does it all with a language barrier and an at-home education.

Be informed.

UNC Charlotte has several opportunities to broaden its international perspective in the next few weeks. In order to highlight and add some depth to these intiatives, here is some recent news on the areas and topics that will be coming soon. These events are open to faculty, staff and students.

International Women's Day - March 25, 3:30-5:00 PM in Student Union 340 G-I
Reception, recognition ceremony and special remarks by Ambassador Linda Tarr-Whelan

Though this day will take the time to honor the achievements of women around the world and at UNC Charlotte, there is still much to be done. In a recent article The Economist shed light on a rising number of girls who do not make it to achieve their full potential due to social, political, cultural and other factors.

"Imagine you are one half of a young couple expecting your first child in a fast-growing, poor country. You are part of the new middle class; your income is rising; you want a small family. But traditional mores hold sway around you, most important is the preference for sons over daughters..." Read more.

International Film Series: What a Wonderful World - March 30, 4:00-6:00 PM in CHHS 281
Set in Morocco, this is a film of romance, intrigue, cybercrime, murder and a tangled web of acquaintance. In French and Arabic with English subtitles.

Of a less dramatic nature, is this story looking at social trends in Morocco as young families balance the responsibilities that come with two working parents. Read more.

One source for a variety of topics and content related to Morocco is www.morocco.com/news.

International Speaker Series: Executive Director of Doctors without Borders
"From Haiti to Afghanistan: On the Frontlines of Humanitarian Crises"
April 1, 3:30-4:30 PM, Atkins Library, the Dale Halton Reading Room

Sophie DeLaunay leads the U.S. division of Doctors without Borders/Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF) after over ten years working in places such as China and Rwanda. Recent events in Haiti and Chile have highlighted the importance of these organizations in emergency response situations.

In an article from their website, MSF quotes Pierre Garrigou, a MSF logistician in Argentina, speaking to the devastation suffered in Chile after the massive earthquake: "Inland, in the areas far from the coast, there were lots of destroyed buildings, lots of rubble. Yet on the coast, earth tremors were compounded by a tsunami, which really devastated everything. While your home may collapse as a result of the earthquake, you may still be able to rescue something amongst the rubble; yet on coastal areas houses were literally swallowed by the tide." Read more.

For more information on these programs or for special accomodations, contact rebecca.vincent@uncc.edu.

A Day to Celebrate - International Women's Day, March 8

Happy Spring Break UNC Charlotte!

But today is about much more than that - today is International Women's Day. Women around the world will be honored in their homes, businesses and countries. It is an opportunity to remember those who have gone before and opened doors for this generation and to recognize those who continue to do so. It's a chance to celebrate the different perspectives, skills and ideas that women contribute to the world.

UNC Charlotte will be celebrating this day on Thursday, March 25 from 3:30-5:00 PM in the Student Union rom 340 G-I. We will have a reception, hear remarks by Ambassador Linda Tarr-Whelan and recognize UNC Charlotte women who have been nominated by their colleagues, friends and peers. The celebration is open to faculty, staff and students. This year we celebrate 5 years of recognizing women on-campus - and this year will mark the honoring of at least 100 women at UNC Charlotte. What a beautiful tradition and heritage.

If there is a UNC Charlotte woman you would like to nominate to receive recognition at the ceremony, check to make sure she meets the nomination criteria and fill out a form. Details are located on our website.