Student Union
A Hard Pill to Swallow: Why Your Parents Don't Want You to Go to the US
Paolo graduated North Hennepin Community College this past spring with an Associate’s degree and is about to begin the next stage of his education at Mississippi State University (MSU), where he will complete his Bachelor’s. While at NHCC, among other achievements, he earned a 4.0 GPA and served as president of his Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter. He is (deservedly) proud of how much he has achieved towards what he describes as his “lifelong educational dream.” Not surprisingly, so are his parents. But what else do they feel about his three years in the States?
Paolo agreed to help us get the parents’ perspective. We told him, “Ask your parents anything you want to know about how they view your time in the U.S.” Here’s what they had to say:
Paolo: Whose idea was it that I attended college in the U.S.? How did you feel when I decided to go?
Mom:
Well, I think it was more than an idea. It had been your dream since you were a little child. But, your dad and I were convinced that your future was studying in the U.S. We felt excited but nervous at the same time. We realized that your dream would be possible; it would just be a matter of effort and patience.
Paolo: Did you think it was a good move back then?
Dad:
Well, it was a hard pill to swallow. The idea of your moving away from us scared us a bit; however, it was inevitable. You had your mind already set on pursuing your dream and we had already made the decision to help you pack and start this journey. I think it was the right time; you had shown a bit more responsibility and found a good option at NHCC. This college was to offer you what you needed.
Paolo: What were your main concerns about the move?
Mom:
Mainly we were concerned about you, I mean, if you were ready to live alone. Because, besides having to study and work, it would include cooking, doing the laundry, taking care of yourself, etc. If you got sick, where could you go, or who could you call? Maybe you could get depressed and leave everything.
Paolo: Do you think I've changed a lot since I've been away?
Dad:
It has been almost three years since you left for the U.S. During this time, we have seen you become more dedicated, responsible and willing to go much further than you ever imagined. We see that you have managed to live on your own and take responsibility for your actions. In fact, we know that you will adapt to the new environment at MSU in no time. Not only have you achieved this much, but you have also learned how to motivate people, organize meetings and lead PTK for some time.
Paolo: How did you feel when I graduated?
Dad:
Besides seeing you graduate and feeling as proud as we could, we realized that you had reached a new milestone, and not only that, but you graduated with the highest distinction. We have to admit that we would have loved to be there with you to hug you, but fortunately Grace and her family were there as your family to make you feel loved.
Paolo: What do you hope I get out of my experience in the U.S.?
Dad:
Having the chance to travel to the U.S. to study is something your mom and I had always thought for you, even when you were a young kid. We always dreamed of your becoming a professional and getting the best out of every opportunity. Now that you are on your way, we keep dreaming; however, this dream feels more real than before.
You have met the right people and each one of them has always been willing to help you out in one way or another; they deserve some credit for every step further you have taken. One day when you graduate from the university, your list of people to thank will be as long as that of Oscar recipients.
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Trump administration opens antisemitism inquiries at 5 colleges, including Columbia and Berkeley
The Trump administration is opening new investigations into allegations of antisemitism at five U.S. universities including Columbia and the University of California, Berkeley, the Education Department announced Monday.
It's part of President Donald Trump's promise to take a tougher stance against campus antisemitism and deal out harsher penalties than the Biden administration, which settled a flurry of cases with universities in its final weeks. It comes the same day the Justice Department announced a new task force to root out antisemitism on college campuses.
In an order signed last week, Trump called for aggressive action to fight anti-Jewish bias on campuses, including the deportation of foreign students who have participated in pro-Palestinian protests.
Along with Columbia and Berkeley, the department is now investigating the University of Minnesota, Northwestern University and Portland State University. The cases were opened using the department's power to launch its own civil rights reviews, unlike the majority of investigations, which stem from complaints.
Messages seeking comment were left with all five universities.
A statement from the Education Department criticized colleges for tolerating antisemitism after Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel and a wave of pro-Palestinian protests that followed. It also criticized the Biden administration for negotiating "toothless" resolutions that failed to hold schools accountable.
"Today, the Department is putting universities, colleges, and K-12 schools on notice: this administration will not tolerate continued institutional indifference to the wellbeing of Jewish students on American campuses," said Craig Trainor, the agency's acting assistant secretary for civil rights.
The department didn't provide details about the inquiries or how it decided which schools are being targeted. Presidents of Columbia and Northwestern were among those called to testify on Capitol Hill last year as Republicans sought accountability for allegations of antisemitism. The hearings contributed to the resignation of multiple university presidents, including Columbia's Minouche Shafik.
An October report from House Republicans accused Columbia of failing to punish pro-Palestinian students who took over a campus building, and it called Northwestern's negotiations with student protesters a "stunning capitulation."
House Republicans applauded the new investigations. Representative Tim Walberg, chair of the Education and Workforce Committee, said he was "glad that we finally have an administration who is taking action to protect Jewish students."
Trump's order also calls for a full review of antisemitism complaints filed with the Education Department since Oct. 7, 2023, including pending and resolved cases from the Biden administration. It encourages the Justice Department to take action to enforce civil rights laws.
Last week's order drew backlash from civil rights groups who said it violated First Amendment rights that protect political speech.
The new task force announced Monday includes the Justice and Education departments along with Health and Human Services.
"The Department takes seriously our responsibility to eradicate this hatred wherever it is found," said Leo Terrell, assistant attorney general for civil rights. "The Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism is the first step in giving life to President Trump's renewed commitment to ending anti-Semitism in our schools."
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The Times of India breaks down the most popular subjects for international students to study in the U.S.
STEM and business lead the pack. Read the full story here. (January 2025)
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Safety and visa difficulties among misconceptions about US colleges
U.S. News & World report addresses some of the misconceptions about U.S. colleges and universities, including the difficulty of getting a visa.
Read the full story here. (January 2025)
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Work opportunities help draw international students to US schools
US News & World Report details the three top factors in foreign students' decision to study in the U.S. They include research opportunities and the reputation of U.S. degrees. Read the full story here. (December 2024)
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British student talks about her culture shock in Ohio
A British student who did a year abroad at Bowling Green State University in Ohio talks about adjusting to life in America in a TikTok video, Newsweek magazine reports.
Among the biggest surprises? Portion sizes, jaywalking laws and dorm room beds.
Read the full story here. (December 2024)
