Dear international student, Please make research Your best friend. Here's why. Generally, the excitement that comes with moving to a different country often overshadows our ignorance. That is our lack of knowledge of what is and what is to come when we arrive. There is a steep learning curve that comes with moving abroad. This occurs especially in people whose socialization mainly took place in their home country. People like me. Some ... Read the Post...
It Gets Worse, Then It Gets Better.
I find it amazing how you can be enjoying your day and Snapchat will remind you of the worst day(s) of your life. These memories are usually haunting. But this time, it came with an epiphany. While replying to messages on snap, I see a memory from five years ago. It was a picture of my hair with a sizeable bald patch at the back. Five years ago, life was dealing with me. Five years ago, I had Alopecia. This was triggered by immense ... Read the Post...
Things Not to Say to an International Student
As we approach the start of a new academic year this fall, I couldn’t help but be reminiscent of my first time attending school in the U.S. It was exhilarating. People were so fascinated by my being Nigerian. My name being Gift made the fascination all the more extreme. You name it, I’ve probably heard the "Gift" pun. I always find them amusing, quite frankly. But the fascination often leads to endless questions and comments about where I’m ... Read the Post...
Sad For Us and Proud Of Us
Yesterday, I went to the University of Indianapolis for the Juneteenth celebration. This beautiful event featured the works of talented black creatives. And my friend Sam Onche was part of that bunch. I got a chance to see his work in person at the art exhibit. I gawked at how drawn people were to his pieces. I stood back and watched each individual admire and try to analyze his work. Words can’t express the pride I felt. While people admired the ... Read the Post...