Spring Break
Korean students hope books open minds to culture
By: Hunter Lockhart
Issue date: 2/9/09 Section: News
The Korean Student Association, KSA, at Texas A&M will donate four books to the Evans Library this week.
The books being donated to the University are about Korean tradition and culture, KSA is giving the books anticipating that the donation will contribute to establishing a clear understanding of Korean tradition, culture and history.
KangJae Lee, who goes by Jerry, the president of KSA. said his motive for donating the books is to give Aggies the opportunity to learn about Korea and its culture.
"When I first got to Texas A&M, I encountered several unpleasant situations from American students," said Lee, a graduate student at A&M.
In classes on racial issues he took at A&M, Lee said, "I realized that the majority of these happenings are caused by misunderstandings and the lack of knowledge toward other groups of people. Learning about different groups of people will eventually contribute to establishing a more inclusive and harmonious atmosphere on campus."
Lee said he learned about the American culture from reading books, and he said the reciprocal will work, too. By donating books on Korea, he said, others may learn about his culture.
KSA also hopes the donation will inspire other student organizations to follow suit and help promote diversity at A&M.
"I think that what KSA is trying to do is really admirable," said John Vassaur, a senior chemistry major. "Spreading the message of cultural diversity is important to everyone's overall education. Not only does it make you more aware of the traditions of those who are different than you, but it also can motivate you to take a deeper look into the customs and history of your own country."
KSA is a nonprofit organization promoting cultural exchange and understanding between American and Korean students, as well as students from other backgrounds and cultures.
There are about 600 Korean students on campus, and KSA exists to ensure the proper understanding for American culture is recognized by these students and their family members.
The books being donated to the University are about Korean tradition and culture, KSA is giving the books anticipating that the donation will contribute to establishing a clear understanding of Korean tradition, culture and history.
KangJae Lee, who goes by Jerry, the president of KSA. said his motive for donating the books is to give Aggies the opportunity to learn about Korea and its culture.
"When I first got to Texas A&M, I encountered several unpleasant situations from American students," said Lee, a graduate student at A&M.
In classes on racial issues he took at A&M, Lee said, "I realized that the majority of these happenings are caused by misunderstandings and the lack of knowledge toward other groups of people. Learning about different groups of people will eventually contribute to establishing a more inclusive and harmonious atmosphere on campus."
Lee said he learned about the American culture from reading books, and he said the reciprocal will work, too. By donating books on Korea, he said, others may learn about his culture.
KSA also hopes the donation will inspire other student organizations to follow suit and help promote diversity at A&M.
"I think that what KSA is trying to do is really admirable," said John Vassaur, a senior chemistry major. "Spreading the message of cultural diversity is important to everyone's overall education. Not only does it make you more aware of the traditions of those who are different than you, but it also can motivate you to take a deeper look into the customs and history of your own country."
KSA is a nonprofit organization promoting cultural exchange and understanding between American and Korean students, as well as students from other backgrounds and cultures.
There are about 600 Korean students on campus, and KSA exists to ensure the proper understanding for American culture is recognized by these students and their family members.
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