International student parents Mohammad Shamsul Alam and Shamsun Naher Nilu are further proof that we can work hard and make our children’s lives better than our own. Asif Mahmood Alam is an international graduate student at the University of Iowa working on his MBA. His parents believe the American dream is obtainable, and can be reached through sacrifice, hard work and support. 

It isn’t being taught how to study that’s important, it’s being directed to understand why. This is a virtue that goes undiscovered by many, but it’s apparent in University of Iowa international student Hyun Jin Ko of South Korea. Ko describes the many virtues of her parents and they are quite impressive. Ko’s father, Jeongsik Ko, is a professor at Pai Chai University in South Korea and a former visiting research scientist at the University of Iowa. Her mother, Soon Dohkgoh, is a senior research engineer for the Korean Institute of Defense Analysis (KIDA).

Amin Bagheri is a current UI student majoring in history and philosophy. Amin’s parents are also alumni of Iowa. Jamshid Bagheri (father) received his MA in aesthetic dentistry and Afsaneh Ghavamnasiri (mother) studied linguistics. Mr. Bagheri was awarded best dentist in Mashhad, Iran and Mrs. Ghavamnasiri takes time to care for at least one orphan in her hometown.

Fatehiya Mohammed and Azeez Al-Jumaili are the parents of Ali-Azeez Ali Al Jumaili, a student from Iraq currently pursuing his doctorate in pharmaceutical socioeconomics.

New this year, International Student Appreciation Day is an event that will take place on Wednesday, November 16 between 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Kautz Plaza, and between 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on the east side of the Pentacrest. Students are invited to stop by for free buttons and refreshments! 

Recently, I got a phone call from one of my best friends since high school. She lives in China and attends university in Beijing. After our chat, I started thinking about the differences between college life for a Chinese student here and in China. As an international student, I love my life in Iowa City and the American opportunities I have to experience. Still, I embrace my Chinese roots.