The name is the magic for a person. It is not just a tool to distinguish one person from another. Different names show different identities and expectations that one's parents had on him/her. Our names define parts of who we are.
Nowadays, more and more international students from all over the world come to the US to pursue a better college education. As one of the largest and most diverse universities in the US, Boston University has 10,598 international students and scholars, nearly 32% of its total population. Some of them are from English-speaking countries, while others have their own native languages. So as their names. Some students give themselves alternative names for convenience, while others stick to their official names. It is interesting to find out why they have different choices.
I want to make this podcast to advocate an understanding among students. I think we all need to respect other’s names, whatever their official names or their alternative names. Names contain not only culture, but also people’s wishes, expectations, and personalities. This beautiful side of humanity worth respect.
Though it discusses a niche topic, the podcast still has a nation-wide audience. This is because every school in the US has international students who sometimes are struggling about identifying themselves. What’s more, the podcast doesn’t only aim at international students, but also native students. I think this podcast can also explain different culture to our native students. A diverse community needs everyone to maintain. This topic actually relates to everyone.
In this podcast, I interviewed three international students from Boston University. They all have their own choices. As a BU student, I’m very proud that these people and their choices make our community so colorful.