By Heath Anderson
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – For many college students, it can be hard to find community.
For internationals, connecting and growing relationships can be especially difficult.
Eizhar is a computer science major who grew up in China.
When he was in high school, his parents sent him to the United States because they wanted him to have better opportunities.
It took him a while to get used to his new surroundings, as he tried to leave behind his upbringing.
“You end up trying to run away from your roots and culture,” Eizhar said. “No man can ever run away from his roots.
He tried to fit in, wearing clothes deemed more American, or diving into American pop culture.
This led to confusing interactions with his peers.
“Why don’t you own up,” Eizhar said. “Your American? Why do you have to say you’re from China?”
Then he realized he shouldn’t forget how he was raised, which includes his faith.
Eizhar is a Christian, but when he arrived at the University of Arkansas, many faith-based organizations made him feel like a project.
“A lot of people want to hang out with you to share the gospel, and afterwards they just kind of disappear.” He said.
Then people from a ministry called Bridges reached out to him.
The organization puts heavy emphasis on building relationships and creating leaders.
He said he liked how they don’t do ministry to you, but with you.
Bridges leader Huy Mai got involved because he loved the idea of building this international community.
His parents grew up in Vietnam but moved to Arkansas before he was born.
He knew firsthand what it could be like for people to live in a new country.
“Just the mixture of traditions that I’ve had growing up sort of drew me towards international students.” Mai said.
Eizhar has felt at home here in Arkansas and wants to eventually return home to help his community as an entrepreneur.