::I:Z1L 't;~::rZ1L;a,'t;:i.C»Z1L;a,1 ,, --- Students broaden horizons and expand their beliefs In contrast to most universities in the state, Harding 's student body represented all 50 states and more than 40 countries around the world. The International Student Association was a way for the students to get together and fellowship since most were far away from their fami lies. The international students gathered on Saturdays to shop at Wal-Mart and scheduled trips to Little Rock to go ice skating or to eat out. The group alSO had a newsletter edited by Erastos Evdoxiadis ofGreece and Glenda Peace of Costa Rica. With support from a church in Louisiana, Carolina Barreto of Brazil was able to attend Harding and study English education. "I am very glad I made the decision to come here and have come to like it," Barreto said. She said her friends and teachers have helped with the adjustment of moving from her country to Harding. Juan Brenes from Costa Rica said he did not know what college he wanted to attend, but he applied for a scholarship, and Harding was the school that best fit his academic needs. He was awarded a fu ll scholarship to attend Harding and study computer science. Brenes also said his parents felt better about him attending a Christian school with strict rules. "When I was in high school, all I thought about was studying computers, computers, computers," Brenes said. His freshman year, he decided to take a more businessoriented approach with computers and chose a double major in economics and computer information systems . "Harding has let me find what I want to do," he said. "During the past four years, I have been able to look into myself and accomplish things I never thought I could do. " Brenes has been a member of the Harding Economics Team and chairman of the International Students Association. He served this year as president of the Student Association of Management (SAl1). "I didn 't know I had people skills and other leadership skills in me," he said. "I don't care if I learned anything here or got my diploma; the biggest thing Harding has taught me is to love Jesus," Brenes said. He encouraged other international students to "be as open as they can because there is no telling what can happen. " "If I was still attending the public universiry back home, I see myself going nowhere with no goals, " he said. "I wouldn't trade coming to Harding for anything. " Julieta Gil from Guadalajara , Mexico, agreed and said, "Being at Harding has changed many aspects of my life. I find myself closer to God, and I've learned a lot from my teachers, whom I rea lly love. " Maria Hurtarte gets ready to kick off and gel the game rolling. Students involved in the jesus Project galhemd occasionally toplaygames andsocialize. Photo byKristiBums. - Robin Henson Student Life 35 ffiiI
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==