Northwest Missouri State University - Tower Yearbook (Maryville, MO)

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Pride Results in Unity As Blacks Face Challenges by Harolyn Swanson Being black means being aware, not only of oneself, but also of those around. There is a certain amount of pride instilled in every black person; pride for dress, pride for culture, and pride in being different. Each individual realizes he is different through everyday experiences. A black person at NWMSU is more aware of differences and of changes around him. Being a minority in a predominantly white institution, a black person finds himself reaching out to other blacks for a feeling of security in unity. Blacks are socially rejected by the majority because of differences in in- terest. There is not conflict, just a great difference in likes and dislikes. Most blacks get a feeling of paranoia here, either in the different phases of college life or in classes; especially in classes. At most, two percent of every class is black. Whenever the student is absent or present the entire class and in- structor are aware. Some of the other students are sometimes kind to the loner. They will try to encourage and help in any way possible. There is not an overall feelin g of prejudice; however there are individual indications. There have been incidents which have dis- rupted the student body. Several signs show that whites still do not like blacks; however relations between the races are improving. Being black here or anywhere else means a constant struggle to prove that we are people, too. 10

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American Insight Gained by Foreigners Forty-six international students representing 18 countries chose NWMSU as their temporary home in the 1972-73 school year. Adapting to America ' s cultural and educational systems is aid- ed by the fact that language is not a great obstacle; students must score high on an English usage test to enroll. The greatest problems are vacations and loneliness. However, these have been alleviated somewhat by the International Student Organization. The group, led by Jorg Schneider of Switzerland, sponsored an inter- national dinner for the NWMSU community, a soccer league, and a trip to Kansas City. The following is a personal account by one foreign stu- dent. Leaving for America over three years ago was perhaps the most exciting step I ever made in my life. I could hardly believe that my dream to study in the United States came true. Within eight by KYOJI NAKAO, from JAPAN hours I found myself living in a com- pletely different world. America is uni- que in that it is a nation made up of peo- ple of many nations, colors, and creeds. To the foreigner, this is what makes America unique from that of the rest of the world. In that respect, I knew that my stay in America would enhance my cultural understanding. The America that I experienced was basically composed of students and teachers. The average American stu- dent is generally lazy in his academic study. I find that these students have no real desire to learn for their primary goal is to merely pass an examination. Consequently, I suppose that these students are optimistic about their future or their academic attitudes would change considerably. Also, I find American people in general to be materialistic. This, I believe, is the main cause of the selfish attitudes I find with many people here. I feel that my ex- perience in Maryville has been a plea- sant one. I am glad to find out that most of the teachers here are very kind and helpful to all foreign students. My stay in America has definitely changed my concept of the people of the world. I therefore encourage cultural exchange to everyone. 12