< Leaving family, packing up and moving to an unfamiliar city is difficult for any college student, but moving to a totally different country is even more of an adjustment. Senior Fernando Sanchez, who traveled to Searcy from Guatemala City, had no idea what to expect when he arrived. "After living in the biggest city of Central America, coming to Harding was a cultural shock," Sanchez said. "I was used to the noise of the city, thousands of cars and all the characteristics of a city." Sanchez, along with many others, attended Harding through the Walton International Scholar Program. Begun by Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton and his wife, Helen, in 1985, the program enabled foreign students to gain knowledge of God, along with American culture, at Harding, John Brown University and the University of the Ozarks. Learning the new culture was difficult for the scholars. "I come from a country where you greet girls with a kiss on the cheek," Sanchez said. "I remember greeting a lot of girls with a kiss on their cheeks, and I could see their face and knew they were thinking it was awkward." Despite their doubts, the warmth and Christian attitude from many students on campus caught ' .• ~ .. , r i, \.~ ........ ' of~l\ flavor the attention of many of the scholars over time. "The environment at Harding is just great; you can feel how welcoming and caring the students, faculty and the rest of the people are," sophomore Sabrina Ruiz said. "My roommates have also been such a great blessing in my life. They have been there for me and taken care of me since I first ·came here. We have shared valuable experiences together, including my baptism." Ruiz's roommates helped with her decision to get re-baptized. "We would study scriptures every day," Ruiz said. "When I got back [from the summer], I told some friends I was ready to get baptized. I talked to Mr. and Mrs. Williams, the hosts for the Wednesday night devotional I go to, and that same night we all headed back to the Mclnteer fountain, and I was baptized there." Ultimately, Walton Scholars could share their experiences, and perhaps their newfound Christian faith, with others back in their home countries. "I could honestly say the friends I've made here have become like family to me, and I'm really blessed to have them in my life," senior Valeria Duarte said. "My relationship with God has gotten stronger as he shows me every day the works of his hands." Stacy Hall Brandon Huber Computer Engineering Andrea Hullett Mid Lev Math Science David Hunzicker Mid Lev Eng/Ldrship Kristin Hunzicker Comm Sci & Dis Ngan Huynh Accounting Kelda Inness Nursing DanielleJohn lnt French BenJohnson Christian Family Studies /Psychology MalindiJones Dietetics MeredithJones Interior Design People 233
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