Spring Break
Students bring Africa to A&M
On-campus organization provides information in innovative, interactive ways
By: Laura Swift
Issue date: 2/21/08 Section: News
White has been a member of the ASA for two years and said she has learned a lot since joining. Neyin and she stressed that they hope to dispel the image that everyone living in Africa is poor.
"Many people have the stereotype that everyone in Africa is poor and diseased. Some are ignorant to the fact that Africa is not a bad place. People live in houses and go to malls, just as they do here," White said. "My goal is to learn as much as possible."
Besides raising awareness, the ASA helps international students get acquainted with the University and College Station.
"The International Students Office can contact us when a new student arrives from a different country. We help them find housing and show them around College Station," Neyin said. "Sometimes we will be at the airport to greet them as they get off the plane."
Neyin, who is from Nigeria, said she joined the ASA during her freshman year and has served as president since the fall of 2007.
"I gained a family when I joined," Neyin said. "Everyone becomes friends. I can call anyone to come and help me with something I need, anytime."
Neyin said that being involved with the ASA has been a great experience, and she has learned different types of African dances and music. As president, Neyin wants people to see the ASA as a worthwhile organization, and to gain a diverse group of members.
"Many people have the stereotype that everyone in Africa is poor and diseased. Some are ignorant to the fact that Africa is not a bad place. People live in houses and go to malls, just as they do here," White said. "My goal is to learn as much as possible."
Besides raising awareness, the ASA helps international students get acquainted with the University and College Station.
"The International Students Office can contact us when a new student arrives from a different country. We help them find housing and show them around College Station," Neyin said. "Sometimes we will be at the airport to greet them as they get off the plane."
Neyin, who is from Nigeria, said she joined the ASA during her freshman year and has served as president since the fall of 2007.
"I gained a family when I joined," Neyin said. "Everyone becomes friends. I can call anyone to come and help me with something I need, anytime."
Neyin said that being involved with the ASA has been a great experience, and she has learned different types of African dances and music. As president, Neyin wants people to see the ASA as a worthwhile organization, and to gain a diverse group of members.
Be sure to include your name, major, and class year. Submissions without this information are subject to deletion.
By submitting a comment, you agree to thebatt.com's Terms of Use.
You may also send a Mail Call to The Battalion at mailcall@thebatt.com