Nebraska Wesleyan University’s International Relations Organization (IRO) has been instrumental for helping students both international and domestic find their community on campus.
IRO is a student organization that engages students in the global community on campus with cultural presentations, food and game nights.
Brandon May (’24) of Lincoln, Neb. says he’s always been shy, but found connections with people around the world online. “I discovered my love of different cultures, customs, and music many years ago. Interacting with people from different backgrounds solidified my wonder and fascination with the world beyond Lincoln."
May’s college experience began during the COVID-19 pandemic, which made it difficult for him to connect with classmates until he found IRO his second year. “IRO helped me settle and find my place on campus even as a commuter student,” he says. “I have so many good friends now, and many different perspectives that I care about and take into my life.”
He graduated in May with a degree in music education and says IRO has provided him with skills to help his future students. “I will be able to help my students expand their minds and consider different backgrounds. The world is so interconnected and complex, and IRO has made it much less daunting to help others understand that.”
Over three years, May’s involvement with IRO included serving as an I-Pal – a person who helps international students adjust to Lincoln and campus - to four international students and as secretary of the organization. "I initially joined IRO to stay busy, but it grew into something more. The connections I made have been crucial in developing my identity.”
May says IRO is just as instrumental for international students. "IRO provides an essential support system for students from around the world as they embark on new experiences here. It offers a space where people can share different perspectives, something often hard to find unless you actively seek it out."
He hopes other students will embrace these opportunities. "The friendships, possibilities, and perspectives offered by groups like IRO are immense. Embrace the discomfort of stepping into these opportunities, for they can lead to the most wonderful experiences in life."