COLUMN: Kenyan connection finds USU comfy
Jambo! Habari yako? That is what we say when we greet each other in Swahili.
English and Swahili are the main official languages in Kenya. Swahili being the national language and English the business language.
Many students have asked how I came to learn English and it’s not a surprise most African countries use English as an official language.
Almost two years ago, I left my home country to come and attend Utah State University. Many have asked me the same question repeatedly – why? Why Logan? At times I’m not sure what to answer but I’m certain I have a couple of right answers at the back of my palm.
My family is small in size and leaving them to come to the United States was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. Not knowing the next time I’d see them, I traveled 18 hours to the United States.
My arrival here was not anticipated to be as nearly as dramatic as it turned out to be. The first thing that crossed my mind when I arrived was the good weather I left at home. Now, here I was in the middle of winter on a December evening. Winter! It is a foreign word to most African countries, where the weather is always nice and pleasant. This was my first experience with snow and it did not take long to convince myself I was here for just a little while and I was determined to make my weather experience as painless as I could.
Needless to say, it did not turn out as well; the falling and sliding become than everyday occurance But the experience has been unforgettable.
Utah State University may be a small university, but its benefits go beyond its academic scope.
Here the atmosphere resembles home really well; living standards are affordable and less costly than elsewhere. My arrival here was through the influence of my family members who had visited and attended USU and found it to have a conducive learning atmosphere though I can’t help but to compare life here and life back home.
On a normal day, students in the United States and Kenya face similar circumstances. There are always rush-hour traffic, pedestrians, traffic around school areas, school projects and assignments – the only difference being that normal classes do not start in Kenya until 8 a.m. and there are two breaks in a day – tea breaks in the morning and lunch. Meals back home are often three courses similar to the United States; although each dialect (tribe) in Kenya has a traditional dish they prefer known as a staple food. Examples include Irio from the Meru tribe (a dish comprising of corn, peas, yams and greens. Yum!)
Not knowing exactly what kind of food to expect in Logan, I, like most international students, was relieved to find similar meals like pizza, burgers and oriental dishes.
On a cultural aspect, I came to learn that this Utah community is very sensitive to religion. The Mormon religion was new to me and has a great influence on the social activities found in Utah, especially in a small community as Logan. I have to say I was depressed at the start due to the culture shock, but I have come to terms with making the most of the opportunity and resources available.
When asked what I would like to take back to my country, I would definitely say my friendships. Growing up in a different country and society helps one build new and strong relationships with the surrounding community. I have built relationships to last a lifetime here, together with the opportunity to learn from others, which is always a treasure now and in the future.
Coming to the United States has benefited me on a personal level and my country on a broader scope. Although my country is not as developed, the communities are more integrated and place more emphasis on family relationships than work. After my experiences, I will definitely have a lot to talk about upon my return.
Ida Nkonge is majoring in business information systems. Comments can be sent to imn@cc.usu.edu