Document Type
Chapter 3: UD's International Community
Publication Date
1-2018
Publication Source
Proceedings: Global Voices on the University of Dayton Campus
Publisher
University of Dayton
Inclusive pages
30-34
Abstract
“I am Amal. What is your name?” This “easy” phrase is what I used to say when I wanted to integrate within a new community back in Saudi Arabia. However, this phrase was the toughest phrase I could say out loud when I was a freshman at the University of Dayton. I faced a lot of challenges when I first came to UD. I was not prepared to handle the differences between my culture and the American culture. I wanted to be part of the UD community; however, people seemed uncomfortable whenever I opened a conversation. I had a tough time understanding why it was always awkward when I started a conversation with an American. I started to think that both Americans and I myself were uncomfortable having conversations because of the fact that I am a Muslim and Saudi, and because of the fact that I am different than anyone else here.
Disciplines
Arts and Humanities | Higher Education | International and Comparative Education
eCommons Citation
Alrasheed, Amal, "My Experience at the University of Dayton" (2018). Proceedings: 2018 Global Voices on the University of Dayton Campus. 4.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/global_voices/4
Included in
Arts and Humanities Commons, Higher Education Commons, International and Comparative Education Commons
Comments
Diversity and inclusion are core values at the University of Dayton, but bringing together people from different national, racial, and religious backgrounds sometimes can be difficult, even in a welcoming community.
At the symposium Global Voices on the University of Dayton Campus, held Jan. 23-25, 2018, the Alumni Chair in the Humanities invited students, faculty, and staff from all parts of the globe to share stories about their experiences at home and on campus in hopes of strengthening the University’s inclusive excellence.