Reception Honors University's International Students

Senior Staff Writer

   Gov. Mike Beebe and the State of Arkansas recognized the week of Nov. 17-21 as international week in order to acknowledge the state's international students.  Thursday, Nov. 20 the University of Arkansas at Monticello held an international reception to honor its 17 international students and recognize the importance of international education.

   The International Club, advised by Mary Whiting, opened the reception, held in the Adams Room of Harris Hall, to the campus community.  During the reception, visitors could enjoy refreshments while mingling and getting to know UAM's international students.  Julius Adewopo, a graduate student in the School of Forest Resources, composed a poem to give to all those who attended, encouraging them to do well on the upcoming final exams.

   Adewopo, from Nigeria, is in his first semester at UAM and his first time in the United States.  He said his inspiration for the poem came from remembering his days as an undergraduate.  He said he remembered the struggle to balance entertainment and fun with work and studying.  However, Adewopo pointed out that finding this balance is not impossible.  He said even if you are behind in some courses right now, you still have time to work hard and improve your scores in those classes.  He said he hopes his poem will motivate and challenge students to keep working hard and not give up at the end.

   "We can actually achieve what we want, if we put our mind towards it," Adewopo said.

   To read a copy of Adewopo's poem, please visit this link.

   Dipesh K.C., a graduate student in the School of Forest Resources, said he came to Monticello in August 2007 and has been a member of the international club since his arrival.  He said the group helps international students to adapt to new surroundings and it also brings them into contact with other students.

   At the reception, K.C. said, "There are plenty of friends, plenty of things to see, and I enjoy that."

   For the 2008 International Week, UAM honored the following international students: Julius Adewopo, Bikash Bhandari, Almeli DaSilva, Devin DeBay, Jenny Dunn (in Optical Practical Training), Larissa Ferreira, Shivan G.C., Denise General, Ajuma Jaramogi, Omkari Joshi, Dipesh K.C., Nigar Najafova, Ana Pazos del Olma, Jermaine Samuels, Leticia Ordaz Sanchez, Katherine Taju and Kevin Van Veen.

  In addition to the reception, visitors could also bid on the silent auction for the United Way campaign.  The funds received through the campaign are used in Drew County through organizations such as the Salvation Army, Literacy Council, Red Cross and others.  The campaign will continue through November.  Visitors also had the opportunity to enter in the "Weevils at Work" door prize drawing for a UAM T-shirt.  As well, visitors could pick up free informational brochures on health and college success, in addition to day planners, pens, pencils, highlighters and other school supplies.

   The Office of Academic Affairs also had its 2008-2009 "Weevil Wisdom" booklet, which was designed to provide answers to questions about college in general and attending UAM.  For more information on the "Weevil Wisdom" booklet or to pick up a copy, contact Crystal Ratliff, director of Academic Advising, at ratliff@uamont.edu or 460-1032. 

   The International Club is open to all current UAM students.  For more information, contact club adviser Mary Whiting at whitingm@uamont.edu or 460-1226. 

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