Most have never known what it is like to leave school in the U.S. to go to another school in another country, but Mississippi State University student Shehryar Butt, who gave a presentation about his life and his experience at MSU in the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, knows firsthand.
Shehryar Khalid Butt is a senior Global UGrad Scholar from Pakistan majoring in electrical engineering. The UGrad Scholarship is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and is implemented by the International Research and Exchanges Board in Washington, D.C.
Butt said he was sent to MSU to explore American culture and to teach Americans his culture.
“IREX sent me to MSU to bridge the gap between the people of my country and the people of the United States,” Butt said.
Butt said one of his best experiences at MSU is how nice people in the South have been to him.
“I feel blessed to be placed here in the southern part of the United States,” Butt said. “I really love the southern hospitality and the people in general.”
Butt said he was a little afraid of the African Americans at MSU at first because of the stereotypes he had.
“I had a lot of stereotypes about Americans, especially the black Americans,” Butt said. “But now I have more black American friends than white American friends. Black Americans are very interesting and interactive and they’re so lively,” Butt said with a smile.
Butt said Americans often get people from Pakistan and neighboring countries confused.
“People tend to get Pakistanis and Indians confused”, Butt said. “Pakistan and India are neighbors, but we are very different.”
Butt said he likes the fact that people in the South really value family.
“I went to New York over spring break, and they don’t seem to care about you that much,” Butt said jokingly. “The southern hospitality family bond in the South is strong.”
Butt said people in his country have a lot of negative perceptions about Americans, but he plans to share what he has learned about American culture when he goes back home.
“People have a lot of negative sentiments in Pakistan about Americans,” Butt said. “When I get home, I am going to tell them not to care about what the governments do. The people in America are really friendly. Let the people meet each other and decide what they want.”
Timothy Fair, program coordinator of the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, said Butt is very worried about the stereotypes that Americans have about people from Pakistan.
“Shehryar expressed concern about the stereotypes that Americans have against people from Pakistan,” Fair said. “The students who attended the presentation got a chance to see that not only is Pakistan an important place, but Pakistan is full of people who are just like us.”
Cedric Gathings, assistant dean and director of the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, said Butt was able to give students a glimpse into his life through his presentation.
“Shehryar’s presentation took people to his home, not physically, but through his story,” Gathings said.
Gathings said Butt was very excited to tell students and faculty members about his life.
“Shehryar was very personal,” Gathings said. “He was very eager to tell his story, and very eager to answer questions.”
Gathings said Butt was very genuine and showed great passion about his story.
“Shehryar was very sincere and passionate about his message,” Gathings said. “He has shown to be a true ambassador for his country.”