Issue link: http://ihouse.uberflip.com/i/1010561
When the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program gave Moses Surumen, from Kenya, the chance to pursue his bachelor's degree from a university in the United States, he chose UC Berkeley because of its legacy for social activism and the possibility of living at I-House. Although somewhat reserved, Moses has regarded living at I-House as an opportunity to learn and grow within a community that reflects his values and his "Kenyan style" of greeting acquaintances, no matter how much time it may take. He feels a responsibility to return to Kenya to help improve his community after he completes his studies. Mariko Mizogami, an undergraduate exchange student from Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan, had such a wonderful year living at I-House during 2017-18 that she decided to continue living here throughout the summer as well. She also decided to apply to be a summer program assistant so that she could help provide to summer residents the same amazing experience that she had. Mariko shared, "I have changed a lot and gained confidence after living at I-House. I can offer my opinion and just be myself, which is very freeing." Originally from Iran, Kian Talaei, got his first taste of the international and programmatic diversity offered at I-House Berkeley beginning last year with his job as a security monitor. He was so inspired by the community that he decided to apply to be a resident this summer and also became a resident assistant. "International House creates a collaborative environment where residents with different cultures and backgrounds can come together and interact within a very special social, academic, and professional setting. For me, it has created unforgettable memories and bonds that extend thousands of miles. From encounters with new people every day in the Dining Commons and listening to music in the Game Room, this place has truly allowed me to experience a small dose of culture from dozens of countries." – Kian Talaei, USA/Iran Narges Karimi is in the Innovation Norway Group Summer program at UC Berkeley through the Centre for Entrepreneurship affiliated with the University of Oslo and a current summer I-House resident. Coming from a multicultural background, Narges remarked, "From my first day at I-House, I felt an instant sense of community and I look forward to the unique experiences I will continue to have throughout the rest of my stay." International House Times 5 "I have changed a lot and gained confidence after living at I-House. I can offer my opinion and just be myself, which is very freeing" Summer Program Assistants, Moses Surumen and Mariko Mizogami, serve as masters of ceremonies for Summer Sunday Supper Summer Resident Reflections Below from left: Narges Karimi and Kian Talaei