Inside Look at I-House DC! Archives - Page 24 of 26 - International Student House Washington, DC

A Reflection on All Things ISH-DC

February 13, 2015 by I-House DC

Written By Blaire Edgerton

As it turns out, I’ve learned that my best, most creative writing often comes precisely when I should be writing something else. This is to say that I should be writing a seven page paper right now on the effects of the 2010 BP oil spill and the crisis communications plan employed (or rather, not employed) by the company, but alas, writing about my time at the International Student House seems much more appealing and certainly much more worth my time. Thus, on a related note, it appears that my legacy will continue to lie not in literature or ideas, but in the dedication with which I put off my grad school assignments. Sorry, Mom and Dad.

Anyway, back to the International Student House. Nestled on the corner of 18th and R in bustling DuPont Circle, ISH is a place where all things are possible. I say this in all sincerity. I arrived at the House on a hot and humid day in August of 2013 amidst the commotion of dinner in the main hall. I briefly debated submitting to my introverted tendencies and sitting quietly in the corner and scrolling through Facebook to see all the cool ways my friends were quote “living it up,” but then I realized that sort of undermined my whole move to Washington, D.C. to quote “live.” So I sat down next to a boy (from Iran) and a girl (from Mexico) who ended up becoming two of my closest friends. And that, kids, is how the magic happens. Just kidding.

All joking aside, what I really want to emphasize is that the International Student House is a place filled with dedicated students and young professionals who are some of the most ambitious people I’ve had the good fortune of meeting. During my time at the House, I came across countless people – a vibrant social activist from Ukraine; a water polo playing, public policy scholar from Serbia; an up and coming entrepreneur from Manhattan; a trilingual master’s student from Spain, just to name a few – that constantly inspired and intellectually stimulated me. It is said that everyone has a story to tell and I am confident that there is no better place to witness this than at the House.

During my time at ISH, I formed friendships with people from all over the United States and all over the world. While we had differences in communication, clothing and culture as a whole, we bonded over universal truths: that weekends are meant to be enjoyed; that basketball is basketball despite your home country; and that few things beat sharing a cup of coffee with friends in the garden at ISH. On countless occasions, I discussed topics such as Foucault, Christianity, and the current state of the Middle East, but there were an equal number of days spent debating the best froyo flavor at nearby Mr. Yogato’s or concluding that no, the Chinese do not in fact serve fortune cookies at the end of every meal (thanks for that one, Jonathan). At the end of the day, the International Student House reveals a curious and insatiable youth, the young leaders of tomorrow who will work to solve problems and create kinder, better communities in countries all across the world. It is a house bristling with the possibility of tomorrow.

On a personal note, during my time at the House I began working as an Advance Associate for the White House and my life quickly became a series of travels across regions of both the United States and the world. I went from Dallas and Boston to Wales and Burma and cities and countries everywhere in-between. In a way, I had already been prepared for the cultural differences that awaited me: Tampa greeted me with the heat wave that my friends had long been trying to describe; Delhi boasted the best naan I’ve ever had; and Paris, well- I could write a book on everything that Paris has to offer. My job kept me on the go but the House stayed with me on my travels every step of the way.

I think that’s the most important takeaway from the International Student House in general. It’s that the people you meet (and the friendships you form) will likely last you a lifetime. At the close of another year or the end of a school semester, you and your friends will come and go from the House but the experiences you’ve shared will be the memories you cherish moving forward. At the end of the day, these kinds of experiences are what ISH is all about. I hope you experience it for yourself.

ISH-DC: My New Home

February 11, 2015 by Cornelia Donders

My 4-month stay at ISH started quite interesting and will always remain unforgettable. So much happened in the first couple of days, it makes me feel I’ve been living here for months: but it’s been only three weeks so far.

The first person I met when I arrived was my fellow Dutch housemate. He is now one of my very good friends. It felt so great to be welcomed by someone who already knew the cultural differences between DC and our small country back home. My friend could tell me everything I wanted to know. I felt welcome right away, and I had no difficulties adjusting at all. I call ISH home.

What I most certainly like about living at ISH is the people. From Dutch friends previously living at the house I already knew that I would meet new friends for life. The fact this already happened in the first two weeks makes me probably the happiest person alive. Literally all people living at the house are wonderful and interesting.

I cherish my mornings at the breakfast table. I read the Washington Post and The New York Times and I discuss some politics, (international) news, or cultural backgrounds with housemates joining me at the table. I already learned a lot about other countries, and I’m happy most people are interested in The Netherlands too. Back home my breakfast lasts approximately fifteen minutes. At ISH about an hour.

Before I leave for work, I usually grab a muffin to-go. The food at ISH is very good. It is so good, that the need for exercise is HIGH. Thank God my work provides a fantastic gym, where I work out before I go upstairs for basically the rest of the day. I’m an intern at the Dutch news and our days are usually long and hectic. I love my work, so I don’t mind the pressure.

At the end of the day, I walk back home to ISH to join my friends for a delicious dinner. We ask each other politely how our days at work or the university were, and we again discuss all kinds of issues. People usually ask me what’s in the news and why the Netherlands are interested in some typical American stories.

So that’s basically what my days at ISH look like. In the weekends however, I either stay at home enjoying the comfort of the Great Hall or the TV Room, or I take a small trip to somewhere. Last weekend I visited Philadelphia for example, together with a Mexican, Finnish and German friend. It was an unforgettable experience.

I can’t wait to foresee what will happen in the nearby future. Time flies! I try to enjoy every single minute of my stay here in DC. Therefore, this weekend is gonna be Museum Weekend! I haven’t been to a museum since I’m here, so I guess the time has come. Any advice?

Seeing the World through Words

February 9, 2015 by Justice Shorter

Would you like me to describe it to you?

As a legally blind person I get this question quite often. Well-meaning friends, associates, family members and even strangers attempt to capture and convey the wonders of our vastly visual world. I frequently marvel at their creativity, clarity and commitment.

Their eclectic perspective of the visual scenery that encompasses our everyday existence has given me the chance to see life through someone else’s eyes. Let me just say, the view is breathtaking. There is so much to be gleaned about someone’s personality and perspective on life purely based on the way they choose to describe the activities, people and physical atmosphere of the world around them.

You quickly begin to learn what’s important to someone by what they choose to include or exclude from their descriptions. For instance, a parent will often acknowledge the presence of children when describing a place or space. Cultural connoisseurs tend to highlight the historical or traditional significance of a space/object. Fashionistas typically describe clothing, shoes and accessories in considerable detail. Peers at the International Student House frequently describe new destinations, daily adventures around DC and weekend excursions along the coast in colorful language linked to all corners of the globe.

My curiosity has served as a catalyst for creating new relationships with people who desire to illuminate aspects of life that have been dimmed but never completely darkened, by my blindness. Personally, I love to attend theater productions, concerts, poetry readings and dine at a plethora of ethnic eateries. To be clear, my experiences would be immensely pleasurable regardless of whether someone provides a visual interpretation given the sheer joy I receive by actively engaging in amazing activities.

So who are these visual interpreters and how do you become one? Well the answer is simple; anyone can be an interpreter of the visual world. Nonetheless, it is paramount that I emphasize a few differences and distinctions amongst visually impaired people. First, not everyone will be receptive to an unsolicited description. Most blind people have a very perfectly pleasing and uniquely personal sensory method of gathering information/details about their surroundings. A visual interpreter respects the abilities and autonomy of those in the blind community.

Throughout the years I’ve had the honor of meting many blind individuals who are managing to maneuver throughout this sighted world with a mind-blowingly high degree of efficiency and effectiveness. Which brings me to my second and perhaps most important point. A visual interpreter should strive to be cognizant of the inferences and interests of the person receiving the description. To accomplish these interpreters may pose a series of questions to gain a greater understanding of if, what and how the visually impaired person would like you to interpret. Again, everyone is different. Correspondingly, some people may appreciate an in depth description of everything from magnanimous to minute details. Others may prefer a more panoramic or ‘big picture’ portrait of non-auditory actions or activities.

Try asking the following questions before you begin your interpretation:

Would you like me to describe what’s happening? Do you want a visual interpretation?

Would you like me to interpret facial expressions and body language? Should I describe clothing, hair styles and accessories? Should I mention any culturally specific gestures or non-verbal behavior?

Would you like me to describe objects, scenery and settings?

Would you like me to use descriptions that include colors, textures and shapes?

Are there any specific hobbies or interests that you would like me to use as a point of reference? Should I relate the description to any comparable experiences? For example, relating the description to tactical tasks such as cooking, fishing etc.

Keep in mind your interpretations should be tailored based to the preferences of the person receiving the description. Lastly, be creative and have fun. Visual interpretation is a budding art form that stems from a genuine willingness to heighten the aesthetic awareness of blind friends, colleagues and family members. Thus, these techniques and styles blossom anew with each intuitive, interpersonal and innovative description.

What is Your New Year’s Resolution?

January 7, 2015 by Burakhan Cevik

A new year with new rounds and new opportunities, but before I focus on the new year, I want to look back on the previous one, where I met many people in the house, and have come to know more about myself.

One by one, the roommates started to leave the house in December. It was strange to see how a house with about 90 family members became empty so fast. The usually busy house that had become very cozy was deserted. Roommates went on vacation or permanently left to pursue their future elsewhere. In the beginning it was very strange, because you got used to the activity that went on in the house, and I especially, the social clown, had difficulty to walk around the empty house. Luckily, I was not alone and I could spend the holidays with the remaining housemates – the so-called leftovers.

It was not only remarkably quiet in the house, but also in the city. The busy city gave way to a small number of people, who this year decided to stay home for the holidays.

The group home has ensured that we could spend more time with each other, and to know each other better. It ended up being a great time and also nice for me to be here in the silence. During Christmas Eve, after my service at the front desk, I visited the St. Matthew Cathedral along with several residents for the night Mass. It was an impressive building with a lot of people. The atmosphere inside was beautiful with the singing of the choir in the background.

Now we are starting to have new housemates, since it is the first week of January. Once again it is nice to see how easy it is to get connected with each other. I look forward to spending my last three months with new roommates, new networks, new nationalities and new quality times. Through this way, I also want to welcome the new roommates – you’ll feel quite at home very fast and if not, let me know and we’ll make it feel like home together.

I would like to remind you on New Year resolutions. I hope you have thought about it seriously and try to reach your goal. You need to aim high to reach your dreams. My resolution is that I hope to be able to improve two languages by the end of this year: Spanish and Arabic. Next to this I am working on getting a scholarship so I can return in September 2015 and start my Master’s in International Law. Be aware new housemates; once you taste this environment, it’s really hard to let it go!

Now I see the new housemates and I realize how fast the time has flown. I’ve done a lot; rediscovered myself, and made my own horizon (being open minded). I hope to continue this experience that will never be forgotten…

Spring Residents of 2015 – You will be more than fine!!

January 5, 2015 by Neena Dominic

Two years ago, around this season, I landed in the US for the first time. It was a dream come true. I couldn’t believe that something that seemed impossible at first became possible. Years before, in my high school slam-book, I had noted down that my dream has been to receive my higher education in America. However, when a series of unpredicted events happened I had almost lost all hope of even considering it. 10 years had passed since that dream, but I guess, that is the thing about dreams. If you wish for something hard enough, the universe will conspire and hand it over to you at the right time – against all odds!!

I stood there at the exit of Dulles international airport with the January chill piercing through my face. It felt real (except for my nose – which I could not “feel” at all). I paused a whole second to remember the moment that I first stepped foot in this great country. I felt alive, more so because I was entering my dream for real. I was accepted to do my Masters at Johns Hopkins (which everyone knew about even in small towns in India) and felt even better when the immigration officer was impressed to see Johns Hopkins in my visa stamp. My stay would be at the International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC).

I was very skeptical at first about ISH. It seemed old, and sounded like a dorm. Little did I know that soon this place was going to be my most favorite place on earth. But, I had to go through a process before that.

So, grad school began. There was limited interaction with my classmates (that too was mostly program related), as to be expected from grad schools. I had a lot to study and a lot to read. I had to do this while experiencing my cultural shocks in the US – not understanding the language, sometimes not following the accent, and not understanding the cultural sensitivities. The climate was chilling, the food was different, my body was reacting differently to the extreme change in climate (from tropical India to desert Dubai to freezing Washington). Being so far away from family didn’t help either. People in US seemed direct, cold, and straight to the point (I later on discovered that people here are so warm and welcoming to foreigners. Everything I experienced initially was a figment of my worst fears.)

The whole situation reminded me of a Chinese proverb – Beware of what you wish for. I felt like I had made a wrong choice. Everything seemed so overwhelming. The dream was turning into a pile of disappointments.

As Asians, we are used to indirect messaging. In America, people communicate much more directly. Initially, this might look rude for an Asian (As you proceed with your stay in US, you will figure out that direct communication is in fact more convenient and time-saving). I got a first-hand taste of “direct communication” when my program adviser called me in three weeks into the spring semester. She said that, I may not be a perfect fit for this program. She had arrived at this conclusion because I had written my professor more than twice asking for clarification on what is required for the assignment, since the rubric she had presented was not clear. Back home, we are used to professors helping us out to the point that we were completely dependent on them. This was a major difference in education system here – you are on your own. I had failed to recognize this and my program adviser took it that I won’t be able to sustain the pressure of the program. I didn’t know what to do. I had left my well paid job in Dubai to pursue this dream and now it looked like I was not fit for it.

I came to ISH that night all shattered and indecisive. I sat down for dinner and my friends at that time could read my face. They intervened and that dinner conversation completely boosted me up. These were students from previous years and they knew exactly what to say. They did not seem worried at all about this whole set up.

They confirmed that most of the international students will go through this phase while they are in their first semester. If the program looks challenging, that means we did sign up for the right program. Part of the American education is to bring you out of your comfort zone and push you further than your limits. This is why American education is ranked the best and this is why we, the international students chose it over several other options. My ISH friends continued to support me, encouraged me, and even gave me some hacks to make it easier. I regained my confidence and worked harder. Guess what? It worked!! ISH was one privilege other international classmates in my program did not have.

This is why ISH turned out to be more than just a dorm. It became a true family. Picking each other up when it hit rock bottom. We bonded over our initial cultural shocks. So, dear students of Spring 2015, there is a good chance that your first semester in US will be hard. It might look difficult, but it won’t be impossible to get through it. Do not feel disappointed. At the end of this education, you will find a new person emerges out of you – exactly what American education is known for. All that work will be worth it and the ISH community has helped contribute a lot to this success in enhancing your education.

So, get ready for the challenge. When you hit roadblocks, feel free to talk to your friends in ISH (or find me, if anything, I can be a good listener). We will figure out a way together. We will not let you give up. At least, my previous ISH friends didn’t let me give up and I graduated successfully after all that turmoil. I also had several great American experiences along with my schooling – making it a perfect “education”. All thanks to the ISH community.