Argus Tong argus@siu.edu
During your free time, here is what I suggest that you do. Take a toothpick and break it. Easily accomplished, right? Now, take 10 of them and break them at the same time. How does that feel? Well, this is in response to the column "Change needed with International Student Council" written by Saidou Hangadoumbo, former president of the International Student Council.
I strongly feel that the International Student Council has accomplished much this year since its heyday in the early 1990s. The International Festival was a tremendous success with a rise in attendance in all of the events. This high-profile event could not have been done without the assistance of the presidents of the different associations. To all of you, thank you for making it a success. However, there is a general lack of interest among international students to be involved in student activities on this campus. There are several reasons for this.
First, they do not want to be in the United States in the first place, but were sent here by their parents. Second, those who are here are busy with academics, student jobs or with their assistantships. Third, they simply do not care. Fourth, they may not be satisfied with the role International Student Council (ISC) has played for them. Finally, they feel that the American community does not care about them. Regardless, I urge all of you to re-evaluate your role here. Your role in the United States, whether you like it or not, is an ambassador for your country.
The American public will judge you by your actions. Being an international student, a guest of this country, think about how your conduct should be. Having taken over as the interim president of the International Student Council until a new president is elected on May 1, I am still committed to fighting for the rights of international students. The tuition hike affects international students the most.
We pay out-of-state tuition and are not allowed to work off-campus due to regulations imposed by INS, the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Even on campus, we are only allowed to work 20 hours a week. In addition, there is a lack of scholarship opportunities for many international students. I was at Chancellor Wendler's open forum to represent the interests of the international student. About 100 SIUC students came out to voice their opinions, including international students.
We must all work together, for in America, it is the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.
Argus Tong is a senior in foreign language and international trade/finance and the interim president of the International Student Council. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Egyptian.
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
