California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State), is a campus known for its diversity. No matter where we turn, we see people who come from different backgrounds and different ethnicities. To celebrate our differences, Stan State now has the Seven Islands Union, which is a student-run club majorly-based on international students.
According to the home page of the club, the “organization consist of international students, study abroad students and any student interested in diversity and contributing to the internationalization of Stan State’s campus.”
Stan State is part of the University Study Abroad Consortium (USAC) and the California State University International Programs (CSUIP), which are international programs providing students from a number of countries the opportunity to study in the United States and for students from Stan State to go abroad.
Noticing that there was a club missing for Stan State’s international students, Stan State transfer student and now President of the Seven Islands Union, Japjit Kaur (junior, Computer Science) decided to introduce one.
“I was a  part of the international club at Modesto Junior College and wanted to have one here, and I wanted to help make the international students feel comfortable,” said Kaur. “Plus, I’m interested in learning about different cultures.”
Yvonne Serrano (senior, Spanish/Business) says that she was interested in the club due to its diverse group of individuals and because it is a welcoming club.
“Everyone is easy to talk to and they all come from different places and they make others feel welcome, which in return makes the environment fun,” said Serrano.
Serrano right off the bat enjoyed attending the club’s first meeting and was encouraged by the members of the club to keep on participating, making her feel welcome and comfortable.
“As a new member, I especially, remember going to my first meeting and feeling so welcomed and comfortable. I met people from different countries and instantly some members were encouraging me to visit their home countries. That was a really exciting feeling,” said Serrano. “I feel that I now have a more diverse mentality. I have a greater connection with people on this campus who I know will always be there for me.”
For many members the drive to join the club was their interest in different cultures.
Cassidy Ferrell (sophomore, Liberal Studies) says that her Tennis teammate, J’ana Diamond (senior, English), convinced her to join the club.
This club was interesting to her because she, “likes to learn about different cultures and meet new people. Plus the club is spreading diversity.”
So if learning about different cultures is something that interests you, you can check out the Seven Islands Union page on the Office of International Education page via the Stan State website or even check out the organization’s Facebook page.