Susan L. Forrest, the esteemed professor of biology at Butler CC, has been recognized with a prestigious excellence award for her outstanding contributions to teaching...
The journey to higher education is a significant change, often bringing students from different origins to share the share the same environment of learning and growth. All over the world, students leave behind their homes, cultures and family in pursuit of better opportunities and bright future. Butler CC has become a good destination for many international students, each of them with different story of their journey. Three international students, Markcell Tah, Tyeesha Nelson and Elizabeth Hernandez, started their educational journey at Butler CC.
Markcell Tah comes from Cameroon, a West African nation known for its natural resources and political complexities. He describes his homeland as beautiful but acknowledges the political issues that often dominate discussions about his country. In Cameroon, he engaged in social activities such as playing soccer and spending time with friends. Seeking for affordable education, he chose Butler CC and is now pursuing a degree in cybersecurity to secure a promising future.
“Butler gave me the chance to chase my dreams without being worried about overwhelming tuition fees,” Tah said, reflecting on his experience.
Tyeesha Nelson comes from Jamaica, a country generally recognized for its vibrant culture and welcoming atmosphere. However, she notes that some people perceive Jamaica as a violent place. Despite this stereotype, her life was filled with friendship and sports, particularly soccer. Butler CC provided her with an educational opportunity she couldn’t pass up. She is currently studying Sports Management, supporting with her passion for athletics and leadership.
“I took this chance because I believe education is the key to breaking barriers and creating opportunities,” Nelson said.
Elizabeth is from Mexico, where she grew up in a large, active city filled with cultural richness and friendly people. She cherishes memories of exploring different places and spending time with friends. Recognizing Butler CC as a gateway to professional growth, she decided to enroll in Liberal Arts, expanding her academic and career prospects.
“Education is the foundation for growth, and I knew Butler was the right place to start building my future,” Hernandez said.
The experiences of Tah, Helson and Hernandez show the diverse paths international students take before arriving at Butler Community College. Their motivations, influenced by economic, cultural, and personal factors, reflect the journey of studying abroad as a means of evolution. Their stories highlight the importance of embracing new opportunities and overcoming challenges in a globalized academic environment. Butler CC continues to serve as a bridge for students from various backgrounds, fostering diversity and inclusion in higher education.
