Yasha Naxir
Lahore, Pakistan
Since working as a cultural Ambassador at the U.S. Department of State and building a cultural bridge between the two friendly countries Pakistan and the U.S., many things have been gained and many given in return.
This cultural voyage that had always appeared seemingly endless to me, is now heading towards the end.
Days have passed away like clouds, and yet it is appreciable since all the happy hours that have been spent in the U.S. during my stay of one semester as an International student at Keene State College has always made me feel like a celebrity. People have shown great interest towards many impacting stories and significant descriptions of different places in my homeland, which I had packed along to share.
Contributed Photo:
Naxir said, “New Orleans has really delicious food and colorful beads.”
When students usually return from their study abroad experience in different countries, they share many exciting moments with their friends and family.
My studying abroad experience in the U.S. is the best thing that has ever happened to me. My vision is more broadened now and it has added colors to my life.
This experience has not only made me see the things differently but polished my learning potential too — since I found a lot of creative stuff here, including on-campus club activities, Alternative Spring Break community service experience in New Orleans, research paper writing adroitness, frequent class presentations and extra class sessions of x-ray crystallography — one of my favorite subjects—with Jerry Jasinski, professor of chemistry at KSC.
Moreover, this study away experience has made me learn how to stay serene and cool, while tackling any untoward daily life problem that arises and how to make some important decisions.
Building good relations between two countries requires the element of true sharing, involvement and efforts. Throughout the spring session, I’ve tried to talk to many friends about my cultural norms and traditions.
The recent country presentation I presented on April 10, depicted the same idea of bringing both countries together by highlighting the nine-tenth of a culture that we people are normally unaware of, because it exists below the surface of the iceberg.
From all the things that have been the part of learning here at KSC, one of the things that earn a greater credit includes getting a chance for the free study session hours learning and practicing x-ray crystallography.
It makes me feel lucky for how I got a chance to study, install, transfer data, solve and design pictures for the publications regarding some unique crystals.
Many thanks to Dr. Jerry for letting me have this wonderful opportunity to learn and work with him.
It amazes me how we can be the first people ever on this earth to see a unique new crystallographic molecular structure and solve it which is a bit tricky task to do.
Until now, I’ve successfully solved some crystals and hopefully I’ll become a co-author someday, which is no less than a big dream.
The second best thing that I’ve also scribbled down in my journal includes spring break community service.
We drove to New Orleans, and stopped by 13 different states before reaching Louisiana, and worked with the United Saints, which was quite awesome.
New Orleans has really delicious food and colorful beads. Since I enjoyed my stay a lot, I’d love to recommend my friends not to miss this enjoyable trip next break.
Every other country that we know has some really inspiring places that we should spare some time for, in order to live good cosmopolitan lives.
Contributed Photo:
Yasha Naxir is studying at KSC for the spring semester. Naxir visited New Orleans, Louisiana, during Alternative Spring Break and is photographed here at a parade of local people dressed as Native Americans.
For all those people who keep passion of traveling and visiting different amazing places, around this big wide world that we know very little about, I welcome you all to my homeland. Come see its great monuments that have been fascinating sightseers for many years to embrace their exclusivity and the different taste of culture that they have never experienced before.
The beautiful Himalayas, attractive meandering valleys, nice welcoming people, spicy biryani and colorful events reflect a savor that people have enjoyed during their stay already.
Being more outspoken; nothing you guys should be afraid of till your friends are there.
There are many friendly families ready to demonstrate their generosity by hosting and receiving people from the West like they always did.
Now will be the time to spread the good words regarding the U.S back home.
People that I know in my country love the States and are eager to hear my experience when I return.
Though I was the first student from Pakistan to study at KSC via this Fulbright Scholarship Program, students should continue coming to this endearing place and have lots of opportunities and fun.