Testimonials:

 

When I grew up, finding out if what I am doing is right or wrong was all up to me. My parents are not home most of the time since they must make money to have food on the table for me and my siblings. All they can see is the results, like how well I do in school, they look at the report card; and how my behavior is, and they will see if there is anyone complaining. Rarely would you see someone complaining about someone that they are related to right in front of them? But that was different with ISSA, they really cared about students’ progress of growth. They gave lessons of knowledge and skill far beyond what I learned in school, but important when planning out my future. They teach me that I should think about the process of an experience and help me overcome my fear.  

One lesson that I learned from ISSA is that do not do too much, and really think about the process of each activity and what you got out of them. With the minimum time that I have with my parent, they taught me “If you do not want to be like us, earn money from exhaustion and physical strength, you have to do well in school, gain more. Only with skills and knowledge, will you have more freedom to decide your future.” For a time that motto is what I live off. Growing up in an immigrant family, trying to find resources and opportunities that are willing to help me was hard because many people expect me to know what most American students know. Because of that, I grab every opportunity given, hoping that with all these experiences I will gain more knowledge and skills. Not knowing that the over amount of extra-curricular activities that I was doing at once, is not helping me. I was not committed to them; it feels as if I was just performing like a zombie trying to get all of them done. ISSA woke me up when they asked me “What did you learn from those activities? What impact do you make?” I went speechless since I could not answer them. At that moment I cannot think of anything that I did significantly in the club. No one ever told me that what I was doing was wrong, and ISSA did. 

ISSA also helped me overcome my fear. As I grow up the fear of saying something wrong and being laughed at grows, and I become quieter. Many people would consider me cold since I do not react to their jokes. ISSA gives me the opportunity to change, by having a comfortable environment, letting me feel more comfortable speaking and giving my thoughts, knowing that no one will laugh at me. In this atmosphere, I overcome my fears and learn a lot about other immigrants, what their cultures are like, and what they are facing every day. Now even though I still have anxiety about public speaking I was able to speak up in virtual meetings and I believe with ISSA I will improve and overcome my fear of public speaking.  

With the wonderful experience I received from this organization, I want to share with my friend and family the progress that I have been through. Even though it feels uncomfortable to share my past, I hope that by sharing the lesson that I learn I can help others who also need help. Overall ISSA really cares about their student progress of growth. I really appreciate the time and effort that ISSA put into me, helping me improve and become a better person. 

 

 

Growing up I was the kid that always had her head in a book. I would read and study fervently, ace my classes, and was even named the “academic wiz” at my school, but it never felt that meaningful to me. My heart longed to contribute to the world in a bigger way. I have come to understand and appreciate the importance of working in an environment where I can be challenged to grow in ways far beyond what can be learned in a book. ISSA has been a place where I have learned important lessons, such as valuing curiosity and progression, while also learning about immigrant culture, and growing my communication skills, all of which I desire to share with my friends and family.

 

One of the most important lessons I learned is to focus on the process of growth, rather than the outcome, and to always ask questions. By focusing on growth, rather than outcome, my work felt meaningful and significant, and I was motivated to put in many hours because I understood that I could contribute to the organization is a meaningful way, and grow as a person. This motivated me to work out of passion, rather than seeking perfection. Along the way I also learned to ask more questions, igniting a sense of curiosity in me, that also helped push me forward to work with a joyful heart. I have learned that I want to be someone who is always intentional to consider my progression, growth, questions/curiosities, and let that push me to work with sincerity, joy, and passion.

 

I also found it exciting to learn about what immigrants go through. Having been raised in an American family my cultural identity has only been American, but I realized that two worlds were often colliding for students with two different cultural backgrounds. Students want to feel accepted and belong with their peers, but they may struggle to fit in because of their cultural differences, or they don’t know how to authentically hold onto their former culture and the American culture around them. One student I worked with even talked about forgetting her native language for a time. These identity tensions are very sobering and have taught me just one of the many challenges that immigrants face.

 

However, beyond what I have learned, I have been challenged in ways that have helped me grow and develop as a person. Though I still have the need for improvement I have grown in my communication skills. Starting at ISSA I had a hard time structuring my thoughts in a way that was clear and organized. Often when I would talk I would trail off, weaving from idea to idea, without making much sense, however, as the internship went on I was challenged to explain my ideas with structure and clarity. By the end of my internship when I would provide feedback on students’ essays I could tell that students were able to understand what I was saying the majority of the time, and it has become much easier to talk and communicate with one another.

 

Going away from this experience, I want to share with my friends and family what I learned from this internship, as I have explained in this testimonial. I hope to encourage my friends by sharing that they can make it far in life when they trust their ability to be able to accomplish any task in front of them, even if it is uncomfortable because that is how growth happens. Ultimately, I want to inspire others by sharing the lessons that I have learned.

 

ISSA has taught me to appreciate progression over perfection and curiosity; I’ve gained important communication skills, and I hope to share what I have learned with my friends. ISSA has truly been such a blessing for me, and my heart is filled with gratitude for this experience and community. I am glad that I have been pushed outside of my comfort zone, of just knowledge or study, to make an impact on the lives of students and grow substantially throughout the process.

“Based on personal experience, Mr. Ge understands the needs of international and immigrant students and is here to help!”

“Thank you for the work you’ve led with our Aspiral students. I am looking forward to continuing the work we started this school year. The students noted they enjoyed the program and learned a lot.”

“ISSA worked with our students in the 2019-2020 and virtually throughout the 2020-2021 school year through the pandemic. We appreciate their commitment to our students. As we resume in person learning for the 2021-2022 school year, we look forward to our continued work with ISSA.”

“I learned a lot throughout my senior year from ISSA workshops to finding the right colleges for myself , how to write a resume and finding suitable jobs and doing FAFSA and applying for different colleges.”

“My experience with the International Student Services Association has been amazing so far. The staffs are really friendly and helpful. They have helped me a lot with my college stuff. Their services are considerate. I loved getting help from them and they are part of my family now.”

“During ISSA workshops, I learned about different skills, how to search for jobs, finding good colleges and creating resumes. I also learned about writing college essays and preparing for college. I’m very thankful!”

. “They provided the best service to their students and always willing to help us with what we need. I could recommend it any international students who is looking for help or scholarship. They have the best service in the world.”

. “Mr.Haowen is the best, he helps me so much things and given me so many good advices!! He always helping students like me and want us to be success.”