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Marketing and University Communication UW-Green Bay, CL 815 2420 Nicolet Drive Green Bay, WI 54311-7001 (920) 465-2626 E-mail: hildebrs@uwgb.edu Last update: 10/1/07 |
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In
the News Archive - Year:
December 18, 2003 School Zone: By Cynthia Hodnett On Saturday, Lama and 400 other University of Wisconsin-Green Bay students
will walk to the sounds of "Pomp and Circumstance" during commencement
Saturday.
But before picking up his degree in environmental policy and planning,
the 28-year-old international student will receive the University Leadership
Award on Friday.
The award is given at the end of each semester to several students who
demonstrate outstanding leadership on campus and in the community.
Since arriving at UW-Green Bay in August 2001, Lama has served as a
building representative for the Residence Hall and Apartment Association
and as the association's programming director.
He also worked as a peer educator for its diversity program, taught
a yoga class at the Phoenix Sports Center and volunteered at the Boys
and Girls Club. He was nominated for the award by Chad Goeden, program
manager for international education at UW-Green Bay.
"He likes to lead by example, and students are very receptive to that,"
Goeden said. "I can see it when he's interacting with other international
students and U.S. students. He's very compassionate and listens and hears
what other students are saying. He's come so far in a short amount of
time. Commencement isn't the end for him."
This semester, Lama is working as a resident assistant and as an intern
for the geographic information systems department at Wisconsin Public
Service.
Michael Cerkas, geographic information services supervisor at WPS, described
how Lama showed persistence and professionalism through a mapping project.
"I was impressed with the high volume of work that he was able to complete
and the accuracy and attention to detail that he showed," Cerkas said.
Lama said he never dreamed he would earn a college degree in America.
"Life in Nepal very hard... no electricity, no water in your house,
no transportation," he said. "Education wasn't a big deal over there because
you don't go outside of the area, which is in the mountains.
"Both of my parents are uneducated," he said. "My father used to have
a business selling things here and there. He began interacting with others
who had a little education. He thought his kids should get an education."
He enrolled in a local college, which is equal to a high school in the
United States, in Kathmandu, Nepal. Because of his family's financial
situation, Lama worked full time and attended college at the same time.
Because of his responsibilities, it took him five years to graduate.
He later enrolled at a two-year college in Kathmandu, operated by the
University of Colorado. During this time, he worked as a tour guide and
began to improve his English.
Lama enrolled in a two year program in Nepal that was run by the University
of Colorado. He wanted to transfer to the university's campus in Denver,
but couldn't afford the tuition. So he began researching universities
in the United States on the Internet when he learned about UW-Green Bay.
He began corresponding with Goeden to find out what steps he needed
to finish his bachelor's degree at UWGB. Some of his initial steps included
obtaining a student visa, taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language,
an exam that measures fluency in English. To pay for college, he received
a scholarship from the university and loans from two friends.
He arrived at UW-Green Bay in August 2001.
"First semester was hell for me," Lama said. "It was completely different.
It was a new lifestyle, new traditions and lots of demands. I came here
with a $100 bill. I had a ticket and basically nothing else. I had to
work here for about 20 hours a week. I took 15 credits the first semester.
I got homesick."
To combat being homesick, Lama decided to get involved on campus.
"I think that was important for me rather than getting a 4.0 (grade
point average)," he said. "Getting involved in the society and getting
to know people better is the whole package of my education."
Despite excitement about graduating, Lama faces several dilemmas with
the transition.
Graduating international students have the option to apply for a year
of practical experience related to their degree, Goeden said.
Until their year of practical experience is approved, they can't work
or attend school, he said.
If the student finds a job and the employer is willing to sponsor them
for a work visa, they can apply for an adjustment of status with U.S.
Immigration and Naturalization Service, Goeden said.
Going home is another option, Lama said. However, Nepal is in the midst
of political and social unrest and he fears that he and his family would
be harmed if he returns home.
"Since I came to the United States, I'm a prime target as well if I
go back," he said. "If they find out I went to America they would wonder,
'Where did you get this money? You must have money. You must support our
struggle here and our fighting for rights.' And even if I don't have money,
they don't care."
He hopes that he will be able to stay in the United States by working
or attending graduate school.
"The positive would be to stay here and help my family as well," he
said. "Their hope is me. If I don't do anything, they won't have any opportunity.
In my village, I am the only person who is graduating from the university.
I want to be the role model so I feel that I can't give it up."
UWGB awards
Eight University of Wisconsin-Green Bay students will receive fall 2003
University Leadership Awards for outstanding leadership on campus and
in the community. Recipients are selected by a committee of faculty, staff
and students, based on nominations.
Award recipients are: Fall 2003 Chancellor's Medallions will be awarded to six students for
academic achievement and leadership as demonstrated by campus and community
involvement.
They are:
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