Though I was born in Cameroon, central/west country in Africa, Tennessee has been my home for the past three years. On Tuesday, May 2016, I received an email from Middle Tennessee State University about my acceptance. This was one of the best days in my life because I knew my life was about to change. All my life I always prayed and dreamed of furthering my studies in one of the best countries in the world, and God gave me the opportunity to do so. Tennesseans have been very kind and welcoming, and MTSU students have facilitated my transition to new life.

I am a senior majoring in Mechatronics Engineering. When I heard about the International Student Ambassador program, I was excited to be part of this program because I get to give back and help other students as the MTSU community did for me.  I learned a lot from the school, the students, and the people from Tennessee. The main goal of this program is to educate and help incoming international students adapt and transition to this system of education. MTSU is a melting pot that shapes our views, teaches us values, and helps us understand different cultures. The staff and students are always supportive and ready to help. It’s about who we are as people and the education we receive here teaches us respect, and more importantly how to be critical thinkers.

The True Blue pride resides in the values and culture that the MTSU community has to offer. This is our University, our home, and our families. I can proudly say I am True Blue. MTSU is the only university I have been to, but I can confidently say you will never meet a staff as supportive and patient as the MTSU staff. To all new students, it is unfortunate that you don’t have the chance to witness and enjoy all the university has to offer because of this pandemic, but this will not stop us from creating memorable moments here. We are part of a large family and this family is called “True Blue.”

Contributing writer Jordan Fabove Pufon is a senior majoring in Mechatronics Engineering. He is part of the International Student Ambassador program that was launched in the Fall of 2020 by the Office of International Affairs. Ambassadors mentor incoming international students to help them adjust to the United States and give advice about getting involved on campus and how to be successful at MTSU.