Photos Provided By Faith Mahone
By: Celestia Randolph, Staff Writer
The Office of International Affairs celebrates the idea of preparing students for a diverse world by introducing students to foreign cultures. One of the ways the office realizes this ambition for Wingate students, international and American, alike, is through the International Student program.
This semester alone, Wingate is hosting over one hundred international students across three campuses. These students come from forty-three different countries. Seventy-three percent of these international students are athletes, but what draws the other twenty-six percent of international students to Wingate University?
Faith Mhone transferred to Wingate to pursue a degree in nursing, she is a Student Government Association senator. Drawn to the Carolinas by a sense of adventure, and her desire for the life-changing experience of studying in an unfamiliar environment and culture, Faith stepped out of her comfort zone and onto a plane out of Malawi, Africa.
Determined to cultivate a sense of independence and confidence, Faith has an inspiring history as an involved member of whichever student body she is a part of. After excelling in the nationwide examinations given to all collegiate hopefuls of her country, Faith began her collegiate career in the States at Central Piedmont Community College.
Early on, she struggled to overcome the protective shell the monotony of driving to the CPCC campus from her host family’s home, attending courses, and heading straight to work in the International Affairs office created. It was her protection against the culture shock, but also kept her from making the most of her experience.
Realizing how much she was missing, Faith quickly became a member of the student council, eventually becoming president of the International Student Association.
After two years at the community college, the time came to decide where she would complete her education. She looked at many local schools, both public and private. None of them provided scholarships for international students.
Wingate, however, did offer a significant scholarship to international students, and it was also conveniently located. Because it was near enough to her host home, she could commute to school without having to pay residential costs.
Her advice to other international students would be to get involved with campus groups and to take advantage of resources provided by the University. “You never know the impact you will have!” she said. She also encourages other international students to never underestimate the influence their voices can have.
Edited By: Rachael Robinson
Wingate Triangle 