A Bridge Between Cultures

by Kwame Asamoah

My first-half experience of Taylor University as an International Student

I once heard a quote that I find myself constantly thinking about when I am asked to reflect on my college experience. “University means unity in diversity.” In some ways, I have found this to be true at Taylor. Being an international student at Taylor has helped me find people who are like me. People who are a bridge between cultures. Doing life with MKs, TCKs and other students and faculty who have lived cross-culturally has helped me come to a better understanding of my identity. It has helped me come to peace with the diversity I find within myself as a consequence of my experiences.  

During the hiatus that COVID-19 forced last year, I came to realize that the people of Taylor University make the community what it is. Upland, Indiana is a desolate place without the people of the Taylor community. This realization made me appreciate the community that Taylor provides all the more when we returned to campus for the fall semester.  

Being a predominantly white institution, the diversity I have found at Taylor comes in a unique way and with a challenge. It takes the form of variety in thought and opinion. This kind of diversity takes a lot more to appreciate. The diversity Taylor provides requires intentionality – especially from the minorities present. This is not necessarily a weakness, though. And it is a challenge that Taylor encourages its students to embrace.  

I am thankful for my Taylor experience because it shows me what it means to be human, and it encourages me to overcome the struggle that being human presents.  

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Revelation 7:9

ESV: 9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,

NIV: 9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.

NKJV: 9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands,

Matthew 5:23-24

ESV: 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

NIV: 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

NKJV: 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Matthew 18:15-17

ESV: 15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

NIV: 15 “If your brother or sister[a] sins,[b] go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’[c] 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

NKJV: 15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

 

Micah 6:8

ESV: He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,[a]
and to walk humbly with your God?

NIV: He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly[a] with your God.

NKJV: He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?

Genesis 1:27

ESV: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

NIV: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

NKJV: So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

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