Tigers from around the world

JC: What drew me to TU was its diverse community and its commitment to inclusion. As someone who grew up and worked in China before coming to the United States, I wanted to join a university where different backgrounds and experiences were valued. Even when I moved to Indiana for my doctorate, the East Coast continued to feel like my second home. Coming to Towson University felt like a new beginning in a familiar part of the country.

KM: TU is very student-centered. That was one of the most attractive things about the school. The common thread throughout my career has been an interest in putting the learner first, and TU's strong emphasis on student success was a great fit.

KM: I believe international students are vital to our campus and community. Not only do they bring new ways of looking at the world, they also are keen to contribute their knowledge and curiosity to the academic experience.

Different parts of the world have different education systems and when we all converge in the American classroom that encourages individual thought and questioning, this can lead to some really important breakthroughs. In the social sciences and humanities, we can reflect on how this practice mirrors democracy and the vital importance of preserving it both here and globally.

JC: International students bring experiences that make our classroom conversations richer and help us question what we take for granted. I remember one international student sharing the meaning of her name in class. That sparked a thoughtful discussion about how names connect us to our cultures and carry the meanings and hopes our parents give us. We talked about how making the effort to pronounce someone’s name correctly can be a meaningful way to show respect and help them feel included.

KM: One of the things I like to do in my lessons is bring my authentic self into the classroom. While I am American educated, I also hold advanced degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand, Africa's premier university (a college both Nelson Mandela and Nadine Gordimer briefly attended). I find that my experiences working and studying at a multicultural institution like Wits in a country with such a complex history as South Africa helps me approach my work here with humility. I learn as much from students as much as I teach them.

JC: For me, it starts with assignment design. I give students room to choose topics that connect with their interests, communities or career goals. That choice matters. Students come into my courses with different majors, work experiences, cultural backgrounds and plans for the future. I want them to have a reason to care about what they’re researching and writing. Choosing their own topics also gives them a chance to bring knowledge into the classroom that I may not have.