International Voices
My Side of the Story: International Perspectives
“Lift Your Voice and Be Heard” has become a common expression heard around our world as well as on the campus of Cal Lutheran. Once silenced, diverse populations are breaking free from the perpetuation of misguided narratives and harmful stereotypes by telling the truths about their own lived experiences.
Here in The Writing Center, part of our mission is to create an atmosphere of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility and we want to help lift the voices of the clients we serve.
Our international clients are the bedrock of the service we provide and we want YOU to hear their “Side of the Story.” Read below to get to know your fellow ‘Regals’ and 'Kingsmen.'
Home Country: India
Languages Spoken: Punjabi, Hindi, & English
Graduate Student graduating in 2021
Do you have a favorite writer (poet, essayist, songwriter, novelist, etc...) from your country? If yes, write the exact spelling of their names? Why are they your favorite?
A.K. Ramanujan was one of few poets along with Rabindranath Tagore, whom I was first introduced in my poetry class in 8th Grade. Satirical poetry has intrigued me since. His Poem "A river" is a description of a river in Madurai, India. Poet takes reader on a journey of the river itself, how it is beautiful few months and is source of sorrow in other months. I personally saw a profound message in the poem at that time that appearances are deceiving, everything that exists has its own narrative or story. Accepting everything sans bias and judgement is the core of understanding.
Name any one of your strengths and any one area you'd like to improve.
Speaking my mind has always been a trait of mine that has helped me, that's how I am able to ask questions and learn. I would love to be able to articulate in an Impeccable way, the way poets or story tellers are able to take readers on a journey through their words.
Home Country: South Korea
Languages Spoken: Korean & English
Graduate Student graduating in 2022
Do you have a favorite writer (poet, essayist, songwriter, novelist, etc...) from your country? If yes, write the exact spelling of their names? Why are they your favorite?
Sim Hoon. His work has really direct messages to the people who cannot say their mind.
What is one thing you believe is important for others to know about your COUNTRY and CULTURE?
South Korea is safer than you expect or know.
Home Country: Japan
Languages Spoken: Japanese
Graduate Student graduating in 2022
Do you have a favorite writer (poet, essayist, songwriter, novelist, etc...) from your country? If yes, write the exact spelling of their names? Why are they your favorite?
Hiro Arikawa. She is a novelist. She mainly writes love stories or comedy stories. They are easy to read.
Name any one of your strengths and any one area you'd like to improve.
Difficult to answer to my strength, but I want improve knowledge of business to start my own business.
Home Country: Taiwan
Languages Spoken: Chinese
Graduate Student graduating in 2021
What is one thing you wish others would stop asking you because it makes you uncomfortable?
“Try to speak Chinese weirdly.”
What do you dream of doing after graduating?
Work in an international company.
Home Country: Japan
Languages Spoken: Japanese
Graduate Student graduating in 2021
What is one interesting thing that may surprise others about you?
Organization skill.
What is one thing you believe is important for others to know about your COUNTRY and CULTURE?
Respect.
Home Country: Germany
Languages Spoken: German, French, & English
Graduate Student graduating in 2021
What is one thing you believe is important for others to know about your COUNTRY and CULTURE?
Germany is a very social country with very friendly people.
What is one thing you wish others would stop asking you because it makes you uncomfortable?
There is nothing that comes to my mind which makes me uncomfortable. I guess most of the time it is good to ask questions and be curious.
Home Country: Austria
Languages Spoken: German & English
Graduate Student graduating in 2021
What is one thing you believe is important for others to know about your COUNTRY and CULTURE?
We have a great social system. Everyone is covered by social security by law and gets money if they are unemployed or disabled. This is financed by us and our taxes, which is fine. Our education system is almost free. Austrians are very sociable and like to have a glass of beer or wine.
What are you most hopeful for?
That people look out for each other and help each other instead of being hostile and envious.
Home Country: Peru / Canada
Languages Spoken: Spanish, French, & English
Graduate Student graduating in 2021
Do you have a favorite writer (poet, essayist, songwriter, novelist, etc...) from your country? If yes, write the exact spelling of their names? Why are they your favorite?
Kaie Kellough is a Montreal novelist, poet and performer. Her collection of short stories navigates the Canadian diversity and pasts.
Name any one of your strengths and any one area you'd like to improve.
My strength is Fairness, I like to treat people with equality, trying to put myself in other people’s shoes. I need to improve my public speaking and networking abilities.
What are you most hopeful for?
No more COVID-19 related death - that we will all get vaccinated.