Gratitude for International House

I’ll watch the sunset over the Campanile once more

I’ll pay attention to nature’s symphony—seagulls and breeze,

Close my eyes and take a deep, deeper breath

This beacon of hope—and this little light and voice of mine

I’ll let it shine and sing, wherever, whenever, I’ll remember where it all started

Now the greatest symphony is hearing diverse tongues

And the greatest view is seeing different cultures living together 

—Oke Iroegbu

Dear Friends and International House Family, 

Congratulations on making it to the end of the year! I know it was a long flight, but the storm is over. Not too long ago the semester started when we were all introducing ourselves to each other, but now we say our goodbyes. Now the sounds of clanging kitchenware and laughter in the dining commons can’t be heard anymore from my window. I sit reflecting on it all—better is the end of a thing than the beginning. Such a nostalgic feeling—how time flies!

Let us look back a bit. 

Before my first arrival to San Francisco in 2022, I learned that it was hot and hadn’t rained in a while. However, the day I disembarked from the Lufthansa flight, I saw patches of water all around the pavement. Someone said it had just stopped raining. The weather was slightly cold but cozy. I acknowledge that this was Divine Providence welcoming me to America. I recall looking out the window to admire the bridges that crisscrossed the highways and waterways. Exhausted from the longest flight I ever had, I relaxed on the seat of the cab that drove me towards the waiting arms of International House. Along the bayside ride, I listened to the sound of nature’s symphony—seagulls and breeze. But one of the finest symphonies was waiting for me at International House. The voices from diverse languages and people of different cultures living together as brothers and sisters. 

It was a busy semester for everyone but for me, it was especially new, because last Fall I arrived halfway into the semester. The strongest tide does not make the tree fall, however it bends but will always bounce back. We have bent with the wind, and the storm has passed, now it is time to rest. 

One year later, this Fall semester was exceptionally hectic for me. In addition to taking two classes and two research seminars, I have traveled to Nevada, Oregon, and Vermont for conferences and school-related business, volunteered for BIO (Berkeley International Office), Office for Graduate Diversity, and the Graduate Division in many capacities. In addition, I was the Scholar Council Representative for Mastercard Scholars UC Berkeley and worked as a GSI. People ask how I cope and still have energy for other things. I say that everything I wanted was first sorted in my mind, even before I started. It’s all in the mindset—I knew I could do it from the beginning. I am sure most of my smart and hardworking International House friends can relate.

A big thank you goes to the UCB Folklore and Anthropology department staff and my cohort—Danny, Mirza and Anna. I thank my teachers—Professors Tim, Charles, Ula, Tabitha, Michael and Tabea for a great semester. I have learned a lot in a few months through their guidance and supervision. In the same light, I want to thank Professor Wolfgang for welcoming me to The University of Vermont, Burlington. I can’t say thank you enough for the fatherly advice, insight, financial support, academic materials and access to your special library. I am lucky to drink from the well of knowledge you all have created. The Graduate Division, Office of Graduate Diversity, and Berkeley International Office were helpful too. I am grateful to the Mastercard Foundation, the Berkeley Center for African Studies—Professors Leo and Martha, Meron and Tami, and for my family back in Nigeria, whose support, encouragement, and love remain unconditional. As a religious person, I am grateful to God.

I can’t end this blog post without showing my gratitude to the following wonderful International House people. I met Tim, an exchange student from Germany, during one of the dining hours. Despite being an Environmental Studies major, he had shown deep interest in folklore and my work and had encouraged and assisted in starting the Folklore Night, where we replicated the moonlight storytelling culture. Thank you, Tim, I know your kindness will take you places. Also, thank you to everyone who made the Folklore Night possible. I may not be able to name you all in this space, but you guys were really supportive. I also thank all my friends at International House and beyond. 

I want to thank the International House chefs for their hard work and striving all day to get us fed. Honestly, it isnt an easy job to cater for 600+ students with diverse personalities, cultures, and cuisines. If you don’t cook, you don’t know how hard it can be. Thank you for listening to us when we talk to you. Thank you to former International House Director, Joe Lurie for the academic resources you have placed at my disposal. They have been instrumental in my research. I am grateful to have all these helpful materials, advice and support. Thank you to International House staff, Margie Ryan for hosting me and a couple of International House residents at her home for Thanksgiving. The dinner reminded me of home, and how precious it is to celebrate and spend time with loved ones. I am grateful to the International House staff for providing the avenue for great friendships to be groomed and the colorful Coffee Hours. Special thanks to my former International House Communications staff supervisors—Laurie and Bill.

In the end, I am grateful for everything, for the gift of international friendship ushered by the International House experience, the love, investment and all kinds of support received from those who wanted to see me shine—through smiles, hugs, and words of encouragement and most importantly true friendship. I look forward to the final semester of my stay at the International House Berkeley and to the adventure that lies ahead. I will miss you, my friends. Let your light shine wherever you go. 

As we pray for peace in all parts of the world, may joy and peace be with you all. Seasons Greetings to you and your loved ones. Let us reflect on the beautiful memories of International House in this video created by Essenam Dorkenu, one of I-House’s Global Community Ambassadors: