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NAMASTE, How is it possible for someone to not be an international student and yet still be a representative for international students? Life can play many tricks, my friend. I can still vividly remember how I first started out in ISA--WOW! I can't even believe that it has been two years. I remember an organization that was unorganized, yet true to the heart; all it really needed was some motivation, and after successfully organizing Srujan , ISA's very own intercollegiate dance competition, more people started to realize its potential. With so many ISA memories, though, I would like to share one I hold dearest to my heart: I had no place to go, so Parag invited me to stay at his place for two weeks before I moved into my new home. While staying at this stranger's house, I realized what international students really go through. This was a house where people would come together to have dinner and meet new students who had just arrived from India . While talking to these new students, I could feel the happiness, the sadness, and of course the fear that was lurking inside them--the happiness of finally getting a chance to prove to the world that they CAN do something, the sadness of leaving behind a loved family and country, and the fear of not being able to live up to their expectations and finding their way around a new world. I FELT with them, and for that brief time period, I realized that the ISA I had known was more than what was shown. I realized that this is an organization where small groups of volunteers make up the larger group called ISA. When I speak with the vast majority of volunteers of ISA, I realize that NOT everyone shares the same experiences. In ISA I have realized that there are those who have helped new students with temporary accommodations or pick-ups from the airport and then there are those who are always there to help organize any event or social gathering and are active participants in meetings. Overall, from my two years of experience of being involved with other organizations, I have come to realize the true potential of an organization like ISA. ISA is an organization where you will meet some of the most real people in life--people who will promise to help you through your toughest times at OSU. Mission of ISA members is helping individuals feel as if they were back in India . We live by this rule by working hard and accomplishing our goals through various events, meetings, and festivals, but at the same time, having fun and making the best friends of life. To begin with, our very 1 st major event will be ISA ORIENTATION on October 1 st at Steel Auditorium in HAGERTY HALL. The party then continues from there with ROCK THE FLOOR, a fresher`s bash organized specially for new students on OCTOBER 1 st at Mack Commons . From here, we plan to work towards a fun filled year with cooperation of members like you. As last year, we will be having events ranging from · The Diwali Show- a cultural fest with high powered performances by students. · Bi-weekly ISA meetings (volunteer participation). · Screening of Cricket Matches for our die hard CRICKET FANS . · Independence Day / Republic Day celebrations with Flag Hoisting. · Srujan - A successful Inter-University Dance & Creativity Competition arranged and organized exclusively by ISA at OSU. · Utsav - Social get-together organized to appreciate our graduating seniors. This brief list is just a highlight of a great year to come. With member cooperation and efforts we will have picnics and outings for those enthusiastic and adventure seeking spirits who want do something outside the box! I invite you to use the resources available here at Ohio State University . Never hesitate to ask when you need help. That is my challenge to you: Use as many resources as possible to optimize your stay here at OSU and help others at the same time. I look forward to meeting and discussing new initiatives with those who want to take my challenge. I want to take this time to THANK ALL OF OUR VOLUNTEERS who help this organization unknowingly and because of our volunteers we are a strong organization. From airport pick ups to temporary housing to helping with various tasks during events. This is what ISA is all about and I look forward to working with all new and old members of ISA. By working together we can show the real potential of Indian students.
Jai Hind! President/Indian Students Association
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