At Umass, you will meet many new people. In fact, you may not know anybody here when you first arrive. There will be thousands of different people with various goals or career intentions and everybody will have a different story, everybody will have something new or unique to bring to this campus. In that, it is clear how The True American aids in entering the formative experience that is college, as we see the detailed timelines that lead to the crossing of paths of Mark Stroman and Rais Bhuiyan, the pivotal moments that alter their futures forever. Fortunately, we will not face the same complications, but incoming freshman will enter a place they hardly know, in order to prepare and learn for the future and, therefore, change their lives.
As people, we embody our story as it has shaped who we are. While college also shapes people, one does not forget who they are or their origins; college is just another part of the story. Rais Bhuiyan came to the United States for the first time to live and work here for a period, hardly knowing anybody, and being unfamiliar with the culture aside from what he had seen on television. Umass Amherst is not quite as large as the United States, but there are connections to be made here. There will be an amazing spectrum of backgrounds among the Umass class of 2019 and such eye-opening experiences are important as it is necessary to embrace inclusion and understanding. Not all incoming freshman will be from the Greater Boston area, not all students will be from America, but they will all be equals, who are hard-working, and aim to achieve. There are resources and support for ever struggle and community on a large scale and for every niche.
While Rais’s story is significantly more palatable and perhaps relatable, in the sense of overcoming challenges or stepping into a new life, one cannot forget Mark Stroman.Whether you forgive him or not, believe he changed or not, his background story is worth noting in the context of a world that could always be improved. It is imperative to understand that not all background stories are refined. However, that does not mean that all are locked into becoming a product of their upbringing, especially at college there is room to grow and opportunities abound. Empathy and understanding are crucial in an environment with people from all walks of life. Rais understood this and has incorporated empathy, understanding, and forgiveness into the message of his nonprofit, World Without Hate.
Regardless of each student’s story, we are all coming together as people who wish to progress and contribute our knowledge to society. Students may even move forward to work to resolve the issues that have filled the stories of some with obstacles. There is much to be taken away from The True American: reflections on social justice, embracing diversity, meeting hurtful acts with understanding and forgiveness while also standing up for what is right, and incorporating such values into society. With all of this in our minds, we can all hope to be better equipped to accept, engage with, and support the many new people we meet in a way that recognizes the originality of each person’s story.
Written by Daniel Beckley, a senior at Umass Amherst, studying English, Communication, and Public Policy.