Today is the reading study day – a pause before the final hurdle of my college career. Ten days from today is the commencement to declare me a college graduate. All my classes, grades and the school have prepared me to go to the professional world and I think I am ready for it.

If I look back at my college career, I would agree I have a successful one. I am graduating with honors; I have been inducted in the honor societies of electrical engineering (HKN), mathematics (KME). In four years of college in Evansville I have been in few leadership positions like the I-House coordinator, International Club President and Vice-president. I have been in the dean’s list and placed first (2006) and second (2005) in the UE-KME mathematics competition. I have worked as the international orientation leader and I-pal. I even wrote opinions in the student newspaper – the Crescent for a year and won the “Staffer of the Weak” recognition once. I have been a regular guest at the Leadership Banquet Award at the end of the school year. I won “International Achievement Award” twice (2006 and 2007) and recently won the “International Outstanding Senior” award with Pato Lin. I led Intl Club’s intramural soccer team three seasons and twice in the Evansville World Soccer Invitational against USI Intl Club.

Most of my non-academic achievements have been with the international club and international office. I have lots of good international friends but not many Americans. My aim when I came to study at UE was to learn the new (American) culture alongside my academic goals. I was always curious to learn about the Greek life but never really went for it. I once thought of joining a fraternity house (Fiji) but I never went to their open house. This is something I will miss in my college life.

This probably is the last blog I am writing for the Office of Admissions (unless I set my mood after commencement to drop a few lines), I want to mention (and thank) all influential people who have come across my UE life and helped me.

Dr. Richardson is my academic advisor and he is an excellent professor. The way he teaches reminds me of my classes in my native country of Nepal. Prof. Mitchell is probably the most knowledgeable person I have come across. He is little elusive but he never disappoints. He has answer to every question and his sense of humor is simply great. Dr. Lotfalian and Dr. Azarian are fond of international students as they themselves were international students in the past. Dr. Azarian never hesitates to share his experiences. I have never had a class with Dr. Azarian, I met him during the UE-KME’s math competition and he let me go to the Indiana Collegiate Mathematics Competition in IUPUI, Fort Wayne.

I have found motherly figure in Beverly Fowler, the director of Intl Admissions and Amy Clutter, senior administrative assistant at the center for student engagement. The dedication shown by Kirstin Kahaloa to the Intl Club always inspired me to stay with the Club and do something for it. When I came to UE she was the exiting president of ISC and she got elected as SGA president. Still, she stayed in the ISC exec board. After she graduated, she started working for the International Students Engagement and Services office and is current advisor to ISC, I-House, I-pal etc. She has years of experience with ISC that no one else does.

Addisu, Pemba, Anish, Krishna, Tesfa, Shunsuke, Joe (Cheng Wei) and many more have been good friends throughout my school life. Anish and Krishna have always been supportive. Starting my junior year I hang out a lot with Joe and Shunsuke. Shunsuke in particular is very crazy about soccer. He worked very hard this semester for the Evansville World Soccer Invitational against USI. He is one of the best players in the team; he is an asset to ISC and ISC will miss his services!!!. Joe doesn’t play soccer but he is a good basketball player and he is very supportive of ISC soccer (he is our twelth man!!). He probably has been to all of our matches. He graduated last semester and could not celebrate our win this semester. I met Addisu and Tesfa (both from Ethiopia) during the few first days at UE. In fact Addisu came with Bev and Krishna to pick me up at the airport. He was my first international friend at UE. Both Addisu and Tesfa are very talented, intelligent and hard-working. I am sure they will succeed in whatever they do in their lives. Pemba and I were classmates till our high school sophomore year. He came to UE a semester before me. He’s been a good friend and is very supportive. At times when I am slacking, he has forced me to get my work done. We have had highs and lows in our friendship. We have had arguments, contradiction in opinions but still we have come out of it and have continued to be friends.

Sakiko Sakamoto and Pato Lin have been very good friends and colleagues in ISC. Pato and I have been working with I-House and ISC for a long time now (more than 2 and half year). I became the coordinator of I-House in the fall semester of sophomore year and she joined me as fellow co-coordinator in the spring semester. She and I worked hard to revive the declining participation in the I-House. In the following year, she and I were the president and vice-president of the Intl Club. In our senior year we swtiched our roles: I became the president and she was my vice-president. It has been a wonderful experience to have worked with her for a long time. I sometimes wonder if we have similar resume (in terms of leadership experience)!

Sakiko is the most dependable person I have worked with. She always has a ready to help attitude. In my junior year when I got elected as the vice-president of ISC, she was then the Intramural chair. Her attitude, hard work and leadership abilities took no time to have influence on me. She led every intramural event by example. During the same year we created a history (kind of). UE and USI Intl Club decided to start a friendly soccer match and Kirstin gave me the responsibilities of getting players, forming team, practices and all managerial responsibilities. Sakiko volunteered to help (as she was IM chair). Despite she was not playing, she helped me and the team for practices and the game management. Sonoko Takahashi later volunteered to help us too. The event was a (huge) success. Since then we have been good friends. I was particularly impressed when Sakiko (and Sonoko) volunteered to help Shunsuke and I (so called soccer committee) for the tryouts and player selection this year. Kirstin’s office decided to have a separate soccer committee this semester and I worked as a liaison between the soccer committee and ISC. The soccer committee had to be dissolved since most of its members either lost interests or did not have time and ISC execs were not obligated to offer help. Unsurprisingly Sakiko (and Sonoko) was the first one to offer help. It’s been pleasure to work with her. Last fall when Jason, Pato and I contested in the honors program’s “Nerd Wars” for ISC we were short of a team member at the last minute. I knew who to call. She was there to help us again. I repeat Sakiko is the most dependable person I have worked with and her “ready to help” attitude deserves appreciation.

Among the new ISC execs, Jasmin Paniagua has potential to lead ISC by example.

There are a lot of other people who I should mention but regarding time and space (as it is getting too long) I am stopping here with apologies. I would like to thank all those who have made my stay at UE memorable and fruitful. I am not leaving UE I am just transiting from one stage to another. This is not the end of life at UE but it’s the beginning of the time to cherish my time at UE. I am not sure what image I have left at UE and Intl Club, I just want my friends to remember the good times until we meet again.

I can be reached at ranjitlama@hotmail.com or ranjitrlama@yahoo.com and stay in touch.
I think it’s time for me to sign off and start the next journey of my life.

Thank you, danyabaad, merci, gracious, arigatto, etc………

Cheers and so long everybody!!!!

Posted by Ranjit Lama at 12:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The UE Purple Aces plays the USI Screaming Eagles in their season opener in baseball, basketball and soccer. The rivalry between the two schools in sports has now become a tradition that entertains the Evansville community. Many student organizations of the two schools work together or sometimes compete against each other as means to strengthen the relation between two schools from student level.

On March 25 2007 the UE International Club and USI International Club made a (historic) decision to start the Evansville World Soccer Invitational (later named by Kirstin Kahaloa) match between the two schools. The purpose of the match is to promote peace, unity, understanding, and friendship and to benefit a non-profit local or regional organization as chosen by host school from the proceeds.

The third Evansville World Soccer Invitational match was played this past month on April 12 2008. The match is now very competitive with few tense moments and great rivalry. UE Intl Club emerged victorious with the score of 4-3. The victory was very special to me as I am graduating this semester. About 20 players, a coach, field assistants and the ISC exec board had worked very hard to make this event successful and the victory was much anticipated. We were in pressure as we lost last two matches and we had to win this for the sake of keeping ISC people’ interests on it.

Posted by Ranjit Lama at 9:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I have always felt Evansville to be my home away from home. UE and Evansville community has been very supportive to the international students, international students club and its activities. They take care of us through the amazing host family program, Friday talk time and invite us to the community events. The International Club is grateful to UE and Evansville community and wants to give/do something for them. The volunteer services office provides the perfect platform through National Make a Difference Day in fall and UE Gives Back in spring. Six of ISC members went to community service last semester in National Make a Difference Day.

UE Gives Back was on Saturday March 29th. Because of the spring break and the Easter break we had limited time to ask our members to participate in the event. But most of the executive board members enthusiastically agreed to join the event. Sakiko, Pato, Aria, Jose, Jasmin, Duong and I attended the event. We were sent to Bell Oaks Terrace, Newburgh.

Bell Oaks Terrace is a home to elderly people (majority of them were women). It was well managed. When we reached there the activity coordinator gave us a tour of the terrace (I apologize I forgot her name). The house was big with spacious room, laundry services with television in every room. It was kind of like a decent hotel. After the tour, the lady gathered the residents and we introduced ourselves. All of them were very excited to see us there and talk to us. They were even happier because they got to meet people from different countries. Dorothy said we remind of her young days and feel invigorated.

We, as Jasmin said, spent a wonderful morning talking and bowling with some young-at-heart seniors!

Posted by Ranjit Lama at 11:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It’s been a long time since I wrote my last blog. Spring break came and passed so did Easter break. All I did during break is partying, bowling (got beaten by girls’ team), sleeping and nothing else. Oh not to forget the impromptu Chicago trip. It was fun though. Let me see what’s coming up now – third Evansville World Soccer Invitational against USI Internationals, senior project, Intl Club elections, formals, exams, tests, homework, UE Give Back, Sunset Concert, oh the list is coming long but don’t worry I will not forget to write about them. I am now practicing soccer for the International team and I am little sore. I will be back soon………so long for now.

Posted by Ranjit Lama at 10:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

International students represent about 9 percent of the total student body at the University of Evansville who come from more than 57 countries and from 6 continents. The International Club is proud to be a liaison between these students and the university with an objective to foster a better understanding among students of all nationalities and the UE community regardless of the differences in color, culture, language, religion, and sex. The annual International Banquet and the Variety Show has now become a tradition where we expose our unique food, dances and tradition to the community and help them learn our rich cultures.

In the 32nd Annual International Banquet and the Variety Show you can taste delicious native foods, watch lively performances from across the world, know other unique cultures and traditions, learn melodious languages and experience the rich diversity we have on campus. These five things represent the five rings of our own Olympics to raise the international awareness. So, we themed this year’s International-Week “One World, One dream” paying respect to the Beijing Olympics.

Thank you all student volunteers, my fellow executive board members, staffs of the International Center, Students Activities, and all those who contributed their time and effort to make this event possible. The International Club hopes that you will be able enjoy the event and we get your constant support in the years to come.

Thank you,
Ranjit Lama
President
International Club

Posted by Ranjit Lama at 11:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The International Club in association with the Multicultural Action Committee is organizing the International-Week (henceforth I-Week) kick-off party on Friday February 15th. The theme of the party is of course “Valentine” since we thought February 14th is too close to it.
Although the theme is “Valentine” it is not only for couples – students are expected to bring date but not required. We just want to have fun and enjoy the party spreading love and friendship.

Valentine’s Day is now I believe celebrated worldwide. It is particularly popular among youngsters. Even in my native country of Nepal one can find magazines, fm stations, restaurants all talking about the “love day”.

The idea behind the Valentine’s Day, I think, is to share love and friendship and let your partner that you care and love her/him.

In the I-Week Kick-off party we expect to see you in love mood and enjoy with your friends even if you don’t have a date. Hope to see you there!!!

Posted by Ranjit Lama at 11:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

School closed early on Monday and whole Tuesday following Monday's snow storm. This is the first instance in my four years in Evansville that we had a snow day - school closed due to snow!!!

We had more (a lot more) snow in the winter of 2004 but the school was not in session. It was during the winter holidays. Believe me, it was my first snow and I saw more than enough.

Although the school was closed on Tuesday, the depressing cold weather did not stop our spirated heart and determined souls to carry out the ISC executive board meeting.

Posted by Ranjit Lama at 11:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

International Club is set to celebrate International Week (I-Week) during the week of February 18 – 23). We have planned various programs and events throughout the week to raise awareness of international community in the University of Evansville which boasts students from more than 57 countries from six continents. I-Week begins on Friday February 15th with the kick-off party in the Grabill lounge of Neu Chapel. Main events of I-Week include the third annual Gong Show where students will showcase their talents, Salsa lesson with SAB on Wednesday, I-House presentation on Thursday on Saudi Arabia, and 32nd annual International Banquet and Variety Show on Saturday. Besides these there will be various departmental programs. During the I-Week you can know, learn, watch, and taste diverse culture, tradition, performances and food. Everybody is welcome!!!

Posted by Ranjit Lama at 9:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Security measures have been heightened in air transportation after the dreadful September 11 incident. Passengers are even restricted to carry any liquid (excepting 3 one ounce gel or toothpaste in a sealed and transparent plastic bag) in their carry-on bags. These security measures certainly may have reduced mishaps in many cases but they have made traveling very difficult for a foreigner in the United States.

I made two journeys outside Evansville in December and January. I drove all the way to Alexandria, VA in December but decided to fly in January considering the pain of driving hours alone. One can drive throughout this country without being stopped or checked for security purpose unless he/she gets pulled over for speeding or any other road mishaps.

I flew from Evansville Regional Airport this past Sunday not before passing through secondary security screening. As soon as I handed my boarding pass to a lady security personnel at the airport she informed me to have been randomly chosen for the secondary screening with a broad smile, I was asked to stand in a separate space and was thoroughly checked. They examined every item in my school bag. I thought it was a usual procedure taken for the security purpose. Still I felt sad as I was taken to a separate line and tens of pairs of eyes staring at me were painful.

It happened again on my return trip. To make the matter worse my flight to Evansville from Dallas Fort Worth Intl Airport was canceled because of inclement weather. I went to a hotel as my next flight was only on next day. At the hotel I was thinking about being randomly chosen for secondary screening second time when I noticed the strange SSSS initial in my boarding pass. I started making up different hypothesis about the code. I looked for my boarding pass I printed at Evansville Airport. It also contained the same SSSS code. I concluded whenever that code appears in the boarding pass, I will be subjected to the secondary screening.

Next day it happened again. I printed my boarding pass at a self checking machine at Dallas Fort Worth Airport it had the same evil SSSS code printed at the lower right corner. I had been randomly chosen for secondary screening for the third time in a row. I felt sick. As I entered the screening area I said to the security personnel who checked boarding pass and identification card, “I am special�? showing the SSSS code in my boarding pass.

I have heard some of my friends taken for special interrogation at the port of entry. Even my friend who came to pick me at the airport told me that he is subjected to secondary screening every time he flies. I am starting to have doubts over how random the selection procedure for secondary screening is. Has it been really random? I have never heard from any of my European, American or South East Asian friends to have been randomly chosen for the secondary screening. I was chosen three times in a row. I feel I am special.

Posted by Ranjit Lama at 9:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

My last semester at UE has begun - I expect to graduate at the end of this semester. I have mixed feelings towards my graduation. I am sad because I am leaving so many good friends with whom I spend almost four years of college. I am happy because I am leaving behind so many good friends who, I expect, will remember me in their later lives.

The idea of leaving such wonderful people never struck me until last semester when a close friend of mine graduated and went back to his country. When he left for boarding the plane I had a very strange feeling - I may be seeing this guy for the last time in my life - we had been good friends even though it was for a short time. He was funny, friendly and he liked to make fun of other people - especially one of his best friends and compatriot.

He graduated and he left. He is a good man, so he left with a promise to meet again. I am graduating this semester and I am leaving for who knows where. I will leave with a hope to meet again!

Posted by Ranjit Lama at 8:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)