By Mark Meredith/TVCC Public Information
Staff, faculty and administrators at Trinity Valley Community College routinely go above and beyond to help students. Michael Berry, Information Technology Multimedia Specialist on the Athens campus recently did just that, sharing his knowledge of the Japanese language, culture and food with a homesick student.
International student Mariko Takabori came to TVCC from Japan in January and has been adjusting to the new culture and the feelings of loneliness that come with the first semesters of college for many students from abroad. “Mariko came to me a couple of weeks ago very sad and lonely for her country and her friends,” said Melinda Berry, a counselor on the Athens campus.
Berry’s husband Michael served in the Marines in Japan for three years and is familiar with Japanese culture and speaks the language. To help Mariko adjust, he gathered some items that would remind her of home, greeted her in her native language and presented a basket of foods and gifts she would find in Japan.
Director of International students Cortney Curran said, “This year we have 20 students from 15 countries attending TVCC. We appreciate Michael and the many staff, faculty and community members who help us make Athens a temporary home, sometimes a very long way from home.”
For more information about TVCC’s International Studies Program, contact Curran at 903-670-2648 or [email protected].