Crossing Cultures Cherubs come from across the country, bringing different backgrounds to the program
|
|
She waves her hands through the air as though they are snakes. Aisha Hasan’s arms move with the beat of Indian music as it pulses through her iPod. “I like the fast beat of it,” Hasan, a cherub from New Jersey, said. “My mom listens to it, so I figured I could listen too.” Hasan is one of 88 journalism students who attended the 2007 Northwestern University National High School Institute program. The program brings students together from across the country and world, joining people of different cultures. However, they all have a common love for journalism. “People don’t make fun of others for their culture or religion,” said Hasan, who is Pakistani. “They try to understand about everyone else. I haven’t found anyone to be close-minded when it comes to race or culture.” |
Cherubs gather before every lecture in 217. |
Katie Tang, a cherub from New York, agrees culture hasn’t been a problem at cherubs. “My roommate did write about how I was Chinese,” Tang said. “But other than that it hasn’t been a focus.” For some, there have been a couple of challenges caused by cultural differences. “I don’t really think it makes a difference other than getting people to pronounce your name right during the first two days,” said Fahim Hashmi, a cherub from Florida. Tang said being here has been different than being at home. “Here it is different,” Tang said. “Cherubs makes you feel like you’re a part of something since we all are here for the same reasons.” Ana Cosma, a cherub from California, felt unique being the only person of Romanian heritage. “Being the only full-blooded Romanian here is fun,” Cosma said. “I love other cultures and languages so being able to learn so much about everybody else was fun.” Cosma said music was also a way to bond with other cherubs. “So many people know the band O-Zone, who’s Romanian,” Cosma said. “It was funny.” |
|
