International Reach with Oscar

Transcript

We cannot wait for you to meet Oscar, a graduate student from Venezuela. He’s working on a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies focusing on business sociology and kinesiology, while also balancing his campus job as a graduate assistant in the University museum. Tell us your mustang story, Oscar. Take it away.

– Thank you, Alex. Hello, everyone. I was born and raised in Venezuela, South America, in a small town named Carimas. Since I was little, I knew that I wanted to leave my hometown and find adventure. For this reason, I decided to become an international student in the US. Studying at Western New Mexico University has been one of the most impactful experiences in my life. As a graduate student in the interdisciplinary studies program, I have had the chance to share my culture, Venezuelan food, music, and dances with other international students at the University making me feel even prouder about my roots. I’m part of the International Student Association where we embrace the cultural diversity of the students through meaningful interactions and engaging activities. I also have worked for a year as a graduate assistant at the Western New Mexico University Museum. What I learned about incredible cultural diversity and heritage of Southwest New Mexico. For example, the museum houses the non ranch collection, which is the largest and most complete collection of materials from a single prehistoric member site. The member’s people flourished in this part of New Mexico for an approximately 200 to 1200 AD, and the museum holds numerous ceramic pots, tools, jewelry, and other items from the culture. It’s a privilege to have this rich cultural archive available to us as well as to the general public right here on campus. Western New Mexico University is a Hispanic serving institution. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.

– Wow, Oscar. That museum collection is amazing with so many nations represented. It’s no wonder that WNMU is seen as one of the most internationally diverse campuses in the state. It’s awesome to hear you’re working to help make international students feel at home and supported. Keep up the great work, Oscar. Thanks again.