International graduate students bring unique perspective and enthusiasm to UCF graduate programs. But they often arrive in Orlando at great personal sacrifice, equipped for a significant international move with only what they can carry in two suitcases. That means sheets, towels, flatware, cups, plates, pot and pans—minimum requirements for daily living—often are purchased out of tightly stretched graduate assistantship pay. 

This year’s new international graduate students in the Nicholson School of Communication and Media were met with household and personal items to ease their transition to life in the United States. Faculty, staff, members of Women’s Club at UCF, and even other students donated new and used household items, backpacks, gift cards, and furniture. Graduate students were able to stop by the dedicated space where items were displayed and selected whatever looked most useful to them.  

Among notable donations were a new electric bike, helmet, and reflectors for a student who had been riding seven miles each way to and from campus on a regular bicycle. His response, in the true graduate student spirit: “Thank you for making my PhD journey easier. Now I can dedicate all that [saved commuting time] to getting a publication out by next fall!” 

 

Written by Dr. Ann Miller.

Published to Nicholson News on October 2nd, 2024.

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