What’s in Your Bag?
Every semester, a new cohort of UGRAD students arrives in the United States, excited to begin the once-in-a-lifetime experience of the Global UGRAD Program. While they will spend the coming months exploring a new country and meeting new people, they will also retain their connections to their homes in a variety of ways.
Despite limited space in their suitcases, UGRAD students packed items that were meaningful to them. They have brought things that serve as reminders of home and family, souvenirs to showcase their country and culture to all their newfound friends here in the United States, and even favorite snacks to be savored with friends.
Katarina Cvetinic | Serbia | Missouri State University
“I didn’t have as much space in my luggage as I wanted, so I had to choose wisely in what I was going to bring. To represent my country to other students, both UGRADs and domestic, I brought several magnets and postcards with symbols of my hometown and country. With each postcard and magnet, I wrote little cute notes. The most special item I brought is a necklace my mom gave me at the airport before I left. It’s a double necklace so that both of us can wear one part all the time. Another special item is my watch, which was a present from my parents for my 18th birthday. The interesting part is that I left the time on it to be the same as in Serbia so that I can always know what time it is at home. To be honest, I am very sad that I didn’t bring my stuffed meerkat toy, because my roommate has plenty of stuffed toys with her and I am jealous!”
Cynthia Nekesa | Kenya | Bluefield State University
“I carried Kenyan foods that I shared with friends once I arrived here. ‘Mandazi,’ small baked breads, and ‘sesame,’ that my grandmum made for me by rolling sesame seeds together with sugar into a round ball. I have a Kenyan flag and also a bandana in the form of a Kenyan flag. These items, coupled with my two Kenyan bracelets, make it easy to share my country’s flag and explain its meaning, as well as share facts about Kenyan history and geography.
I brought a freeform dress called ‘dera’ that is mostly worn by women in the coastal area of Kenya due to its unique pattern and level of comfort. People like it a lot here in the United States and some refer to it as a ‘dashiki.’ I also brought two ankara dresses with African prints, and one African print tote bag where all the patterns tell the story of Africa. In addition to clothing, I also brought Maasai shoes. They have intricate patterns and are made by the indigenous Maasai community that used to live in Nairobi during the pre-colonial period. People here really love them, and also love the Maasai waist beads and leg beads I wear. My friends also like the material and design of my Maasai ‘shuka’ (similar to a blanket), especially when going for picnics at Bluefield Park.
Lastly, I brought a family picture that I hold very dear and I always carry it whenever I travel. It makes me feel as if my family is here with me and watching over me in spirit.”
Fernando Saenz Aguilar | Guatemala | Georgia College & State University
“I’m sharing a few things that I brought to always remind me of home. On my desk, I have this special photo with my dad and little brother that allows me to see them every day. I also brought this nice little cup, not just because I’m a coffee lover, but because I adore its design! Finally, I carry this bag with me everywhere. It makes me feel like I’m taking a piece of home with me.”