Blogs

Catherine “Caty” Hernandez is part of the UDayton Global team and is the Student Services Director.  She shares how her engagement with international students both as a student and professional have shaped her interest in international education. 

What has influence or shaped your passion for international education/exchange?

One of my first jobs out of college was being an international admissions counselor so I worked directly with international students.  I had the opportunity to get to know them through the admissions process, learning quickly how brave and amazing all of them are for making the decision to come to a different country to study.  When I would check in on students once they had been living on campus, I was sad to learn how many international students found making American friends to be difficult. If you think about it, many world leaders were international students at some point. Perhaps some of our UD international students will one day be leaders in their home country. What if they were able to remember the kindness and hospitality we showed them while they were here in our country. I think this not only could create a space for understanding and meaningful connection, but I believe it could also change the world.  

Can you share an intercultural experience or moment that inspired you?

When I was a graduate student I was part of a student organization that did a lot of outreach to international students.  For one of the events we hosted, we told everyone to bring their own lunch. All the Americans brought their own sandwich while all the international students brought a dish to share with the entire group.  For the first time, I saw this collectivist thinking of, “let me think about my neighbor.

In your opinion, what are some benefits to international education/exchange?

When I was younger I would hear about things happening in the world and it didn’t faze me because I was so far removed.  But in graduate school I had a number of friends that were international students and soon I began to care about what was happening around the world because it was having an impact on specific friends of mine.  International education has a way of making us more aware and pushing us to think beyond our own personal context.

Where is a place you have always wanted to explore, and why?

Argentina! I’m a foodie and enjoy wine so I would love to explore it.

What is one aspect or memory of home that you still embrace today?

As a Cuban American from Miami, Florida, a memory I have from home is listening to great salsa music.  I remember during Christmas and other holidays we would listen to music and dance.  So I try my best to still embrace this and find live salsa music.  Fortunately, I have found a few places here in Dayton.

Where are some places you have traveled that have expanded your perspective of yourself and the world?

Every place I have been has shaped me and helped me to see people in a different light.  For example the first time I was in Asia I visited Thailand and learned that I had to take my shoes off each time I entered someone’s home, because people value a home and the people that live there and do not want to track dirt inside. Once I learned the reasoning, I thought this was something I could respect and follow, even if it is something that was not from my own culture.

Who is someone that has inspired you or you believe to be a role model for global leadership? Why?

One of my best friends from Malaysia, Gloria.  She came to the United States as an international student and now has a green card.  She has always helped me to understand her experiences as an international student because she lived through the journey and overcame the transition.  She is also a very hospitable person, something I strive to be each day.  She may not be a widely known person on TV or magazines, but she has created change within her own sphere of influence, which I believe is powerful.  

If you had to pick a life motto or quote, what would it be? Why?

Love your neighbor as yourself. If we consider how we would like to be treated in certain situations, it can help us create empathy and understanding. For example, if I was visiting or studying in another country, I would want people to extend kindness, friendship, and hospitality to me. If I would want to be treated this way, perhaps I should do the same to those in that current situation.