I remember when I was sitting on the Hightower stairs and admiring the day slipping away. I had no friends, no Russian speaking people to talk to and no idea what tomorrow would bring. It was my first evening in Mississippi after a long journey from my home in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
I am an international student from Central Asia. My country touches Russia, China, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. I began my studies last month in international business here at MSU and am very happy to be a new daughter of the Magnolia State.
As a newcomer to Mississippi, I have been amazed by the Southern hospitality that I have experienced. During this past month my relationship with the people I have met has rapidly changed my perception of the world in a very positive way.
What makes the Southerners special? It is the colorful spirit of spoken English, country music, French-fried potatoes with loads of ketchup and warm Saturday afternoon football games. It is impossible just to keep sitting when you hear country music. In addition, the congregations of Starkville’s 79 different churches seem to live in peace.
What makes America special to me? It is the democracy and freedom for economic, academic and political opportunity for both men and women. In my country, women seem not to be so independent and strong as they are here. American women seem to have tremendous opportunities for success. It has been my observation since being in Starkville that men’s attitudes toward women are extremely different than what I have experienced in my country. This may be the secret of American women’s growing equality.
When crossing cultures we deal with certain stereotypes. I am sure every Russian has been asked if he drinks vodka. Believe me, Russia and former Soviet republics are not made of just vodka, bears, Siberia and Lenin. Kazakhstan is a huge country and its history began when first tribes appeared in its contemporary territory in the 8th century B.C. In the 15th century A.D., the Kazakhs united into one state. They joined the Russian Empire in the 18th century.
Russia and Kazakhstan have a long history, including the 70 years of the Soviet period. In 1991, Kazakhstan became an independent state. Now we have our own economical, political and cultural life. Our country is a multinational state; the main religions are Islam and Eastern Orthodox. Kazakhstan is a country of various landscapes, we have sharp-continental climate; yes, there is a lot of snow in winter.
Yet we have a lot of similarities to the United States. A child’s smile means the same thing. Though we live on different sides of the Earth and Americans drink Coke while we prefer hot tea, feelings, ideals and values are the same.
Though Americans are more practical and self-oriented, I dare to say that a vast majority of all people appreciate straightforwardness, strive for success and want to have a lot of money. We have different tools but the same aims, different appearance but the same dreams. Individuals differ, but love means love anywhere. So let me say now, I love this land.
Milana Karayanidi is a freshman in general business administration. She can be reached at [email protected].