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Show 4 PERSONALITY A LOOK BACK: LEAH MILLER The exchange student perspective STAFF REPORTER EBERT MORALES Wagenaar Westminster as exchange student during the Spring 2014 semester. He traveled over 5,000 miles, having to endure a flight from his institution Saxion Hogeschool Enschede in Enschede, Netherlands. Every school year, Westminster finds itself with new students from across the country, and out of the country, to attend its institution. Exchange students can hail from neighbors to the north and south, though sometimes they travel thousands of miles from overseas. One of the hardest things for some exchange students to deal with may be the culture shock they receive when coming to a different country. Wagenaar said his transition went surprisingly well. I remember in my first week at Westminster, we had this introduction talk by the International Services Center where we were prepared for the huge culture shock we were going to get, Wagenaar said. Frankly, I am still waiting for it. Sometimes though, exchange students do come across some cultural differences that make their transition harder. Wagenaar said the first thing that surprised Jeroen 16-ho- ur Speaker of the Senate, Andrew Hagedom on a camping trip with GriffinQuest in southern Utah, Sept. 6, 2014. PHOTO COURTESY OF Andrew Hagedom reuse, recycle. of the Senate, Hagedom, has for his senior year set goals around making Westminster more sustainable. Hagedom has been passionate about sustainability for the Westminster campus and community for years now. However, he realized how big of an issue it is while he was a GO Leader this Fall semester. I had parents coming up to me saying, Hey, wheres the recycle bin? and, Why dont you have recycling bins? Hagedom said. Hagedom also found many new students wondering where they could recycle. This made it obvious that students need more options for recycling on campus. A first step toward sustainability is education. A lot of people either dont know how to recycle, they dont know what to recycle or what is recyclable, Hagedom said. Hagedom wants to implement an information session on recycling and sustainability as a part of orientation so that students can be more informed. Another aspect of Hage-dofight for sustainability is funding. He is speaking to multiple leaders on campus to make sure he is backed up in all aspects. As Speaker of the Senate, he is trying to push legislation through the senate, as well. Hagedorn said, My big idea for this year is actually a funding idea... its 1 percent for sustainability. This means l percent of tuition fees would go toward keeping Westminster sustainable. This would allow for more recycling bins on campus, as well as better education about recycling for students. Once he has the funding, Hagedom wants there to be more recycling bins than ever, especially in the Shaw Student Center. Reduce, ms In regards to the recycling in Shaw currently, Hagedom said: If you look in Shaw, there is one kind of hidden in the corner, and there is one outside of the eating area. And thats not really conducive for effective re- cycling. This leads to overflowing recycling bins that are no longer useful because there isnt enough room for all students to recycle. Hagedom wants recycling centers all over campus like the large one in Shaw where students can recycle paper, plastic, glass and cell phones. Hagedorn would like to see them eventually in every dorm and every building on campus. This can be a large task for one person to take on, but he is getting the help of other students who support his initiative. Kate Puddy, junior environmental science major from Bend, Oregon, said, Pretty much anything Andrew does, he will get done. He is so motivated. Other students are looking forward to the changes that will be made around campus, as Wagenaar said that its strange to realize that he lives such a great distance apart from the friends he made in him was the serving sizes of food in the U.S. More often than not I didnt finish my plate or skipped a meal here and there because I simply wasnt hungry, Wagenaar said. Wagenaars first impression of Westminster was the size of the campus. He said he thought Westminster had this cool, small area with a couple of small building close together. I thought it was pretty cool and cozy, Wagenaar said. Recounting all the amazing people he met and all the things he saw, Wagenaar said he enjoyed his time at Westminster and that he would do it again in a heartbeat. It was an amazing experience and it ended way too soon, Wagenaar said. For most students, homesickness can set in no matter where you are from. The only moment I felt homesick was when I was flying home, Wagenaar said. Another tough moment for exchange students may be the transition back to their home country. It was land of strange though, as for the first couple of weeks my mind was still on the other side of the ocean, Wagenaar said. It was more difficult than I expected it to be. the U.S. I missed the people I saw every single day for the past half year, I absolutely, 100 percent support Andrews efforts for instilling more sustainable initiatives on campus, said Ideana Carrasco, senior environmental science and pre-me- d major from New Hampshire. Hagedom said this is an important topic because keeping the environment safe is vital for the future. I want us to live a lifestyle is that comfortable, but not extensive, Hagedom said. Another way that Hagedorn plans on encouraging recycling is by passing out the reusable water bottles that have not been claimed at the concierge desk. He said even just using a reusable bottle makes a huge difference. He also plans to work toward a rainwater-harvestin-g system for the Westminster Wagenaar said. We still chat over Whatsapp, Facebook, and Snapchat but its different to actually seeing and talking to each other. Currently, Wagenaar is back at Saxion Hogeschool Enschede as a senior, starting up an internship with Dutch Railways. He said he is having fun with his internship and, like many college students, still doesnt know what he will do after graduating. I had a great time and I wish I could have stayed longer, Wagenaar said. I would recommend everyone to take a semester abroad. I can assure you it's something you will never regret. The memories and experiences will be something you will remember for the rest of your life. According to the Westminster Study Abroad website: Study abroad is a great way to expand your academic, cultural and personal experiences. You will be challenged in different ways and become accustomed to a different way of living. Without a doubt studying in a foreign country will be a rewarding, life changing experience you will never forget. learn more about study abroad and exchange programs visit To the Diversity & well. Be sure to contact Hagedorn or stop by the Environmental Center if you have any questions or ideas. STAFF REPORTER International Center online at: http:tinyurl. como7zvojf i 3 1 ,1 rf Wagenaar, exchange student from the Netherlands, participates in his institutions kick off of the year event for the Honors Program. He worked as team facilitator to get students and professors to work together to solve group tasks. PHOTO CREDIT Saxion Hogeschool Enschede |