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Flyers Embracing Global Experiences: Zhelun "Wilson" Wang and Madeline Norman

 

Zhelun "Wilson" Wang and Madeline Norman share a passion for meeting people from all over the world. Together, they have worked to revitalize the University of Dayton International Club (UDIC), and already making an impact on campus.  

  • What has influenced or shaped your passion for international education and exchange, and encouraged you to re-start UDIC?

W- When I joined the ISSS Office as a World Associate (WA), I was shy, and wanted to make more friends, but wasn’t sure if I’d be a good fit for the role. The opportunity was a good start for me coming out of my comfort zone, and I wanted to be influential for other international students, to encourage them to do the same. It really helped me learn to effectively communicate with students, and I felt like I could learn more.

M- My passion started my first year, when I was meeting new people through my engagement with ISSS. I knew I wanted to build friendships with people who were different from me, and I realized the best way to learn about other cultures is by building relationships. If I wasn’t going to physically be able to travel around the world, I wanted to experience it at least through the people from different places. I think my interest just grew from there.

In your opinion, what are some benefits to being a part of UDIC, and engaging in international education and exchange?

W- As international students, we already have to step out of our comfort zones every day, so I want this place to be somewhere they can slow down, be themselves and have fun. I hope our efforts help build a club where everyone feels comfortable just being who they are. It’s a good place to just socialize and meet people from different cultures. And the fact that international students are from so many different countries, this is a good place for anyone to come and be able to celebrate their culture and share it with others.

M- I agree; I want it to be a place for everyone. It is true; when we’re together we’re able to see the similarities and difference, and we’re comfortable sharing about those things. We want our members to have an open mindset to meeting people from other cultures. I have learned more about myself from experiences of interacting with people who are different than me. I also think it’s a really good way to grow in your perspective outside of just what we learn in the U.S. And globalization is so common, you almost are guaranteed to have a global interaction at some point in your life. UDIC helps you learn how to navigate that in a fun way. UDIC is really intentional about making anybody feel like a somebody.

How is the work you’re doing with UDIC helping to make campus a more inclusive place?

W- There are several clubs on campus that focus on sharing one country or culture, but this is a space where we can combined all of those cultures to be a space to join together. Most of the other social clubs tend to be all U.S. students, and they really rely on the language to be their connection, but for UDIC, language doesn’t have to be to the only connection for us. Our activities aren’t focused on speaking the same language as the only connection. We do things that let people embrace more of themselves than just what language we all speak.

M- All of the other organization and places on campus are focused on a commonality, usually around an external interest or hobby. But we are a place where people can bring their passions together, even if there is no commonality with anyone else. You can be artistic, outgoing, sports focused, quiet, anything; we’re a place for you. We want this to be a space for a global family. And we’re working with such a unique set of people that we wouldn’t typically get a chance to engage with. What’s cooler than that?

What is one thing you hope to achieve with UDIC, now and in the future?

W- Some students spend a lot of time alone on campus, and may now have many social outlets. I hope we become a place where students feel like they have a place to go. I hope this club can expands to whole campus, and helps other international students make friends across cultures. Having relationships is really important in college. Hopefully this is a space where you can make real friends; friends who really impact our lives.

M- I hope we can keep the legacy going. Since we are working so hard at restarting it up again, we hope to just keep the energy and interest in future years, and with younger students. I want UDIC to be a highlight of their semester and year; something they go home and feel truly engaged and proud of.

  • If you had to pick a life motto or quote, what would it be? Why?

W- Step into a new comfort zone.

M- Life’s about relationships; humans are biologically and spiritually connected, and we crave relationships with others. 

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