Cultural diversity should be enhanced and taken to a higher level at ETSU. The newly elected International Student Organization (ISO) President Mirabela Lazar said that culture is the way of life and that is why it should be promoted.
Lazar said that for this to happen students have to come together and integrate with one another through sharing their experiences and their cultural values.
“We all have cultural differences and ISO gives you that special opportunity for any student, whether American or International to come forward and talk about their cultures and how they inspire them,” she said.
Lazar challenged students to come forward and integrate with people from different backgrounds through the ISO.
Lazar said that it is through getting involved with something that you can get to learn what it has to offer and the wide advantages that come with it.
“It is as a result of these opportunities and the wide exposure that one acquires from the organization that make us encourage students both American and international to come forward and join the organization,” she said.
“It is from here that we know our roots and recognize how we can share our cultural values with one another.”
Lazar, who was elected the president of ISO last week, added that she wants to give the best to the organization by making sure that everybody gets involved in the running affairs of the ISO by participating in various activities that would be held.
“This organization is for everybody; both international and American students are invited to attend as it is from here that we get to learn and share ideas with different people from various backgrounds.”
Lazar added that this is the only organization that one can get to enjoy the diversity of different cultures. She noted that for the organization to grow, all students must join it and support its function. “This is big organization and for it to run effectively, we must all join hands and work together.”
Lazar added that the organization usually offers support to international students who come here alone as they leave their families behind. “The organization has made it possible for many students to feel at home by choosing ETSU to be their second home,” she said.
Lazar said that they are making plans for the upcoming events so that students can get an opportunity to share and interact with one another. “We want students to feel at home, especially international students who come here and try to adjust socially, physically and psychologically to their new lifestyle,” she said.
Lazar said the organization will create an environment for social interaction and a wide exchange of ideas and cultural diversity which will help to improve student lives here on campus. “It is through this organization that we can come together and unite as one,” she said.
Lazar noted that the organization will help foster unity and make sure everyone feels at home and not left out or discriminated in whatever way. She challenges students to join the organization because there is nothing to lose and so much to gain. Lazar, who has been a youth leader for various organizations, brings in her skills to help the organization grow.
“I am a very outgoing person who (never) takes “no” for an answer in whatever I undertake to do,” she said. “That, with God, is what makes me move mountains.

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