Finding Family at MHCC: Interview with Ella

May you introduce yourself?
My name is Ella, and my Chinese name is Zhixuan Xiang. I am currently studying in the Mental Health, Social Services, and Addiction Counseling program at MHCC. I am an international student from Sichuan, China. I am also a blogger on TikTok with 100,000 followers. The reason why I came to study in the United States is a long story about the pursuit of ideals of knowledge and freedom.

Biggest adjustment so far?
Every scholar who comes from a foreign country is amazing. Differences in lifestyle, adaptation to a new culture, and even discomfort with the climate are all challenges.

Like many of my fellow international students, I face different challenges. First, learning and living in a second language is a long-term challenge. I believe that the improvement of oral English requires courageous communication with English speakers, and the learning of vocabulary and grammar requires daily accumulation in the classroom.

Cultural differences are interesting and positive challenges for me. I believe that every scholar living in modern society must accept diverse cultures, which is an expansion of their own vision and thoughts.

As international students, we are not only eager for obtaining a diploma, but also for going abroad to broaden our horizons. I really enjoy the impact of different cultures.

Differences you have noticed?
Education in the United States is quite different from that in my home country. In China and most Asian countries, learning is more of a competition, full of pressure and tension while in the United States, I feel more that learning is to enrich my experience and values. Here, I am learning because of my thirst for knowledge.

Negatives and positives so far?
As the only international student in our major, I am very grateful to my classmates and professors. We understand each other like a big family. My classmates are very kind and tolerant, which is also the characteristic of every mental health practitioner. Our class has a group chat.

We not only share class content and homework but also communicate with each other about each other’s lives. Our class also organizes barbecue parties and other activities. Everyone celebrates their birthdays together in class. Such a relationship is rare in many schools.

For me, the learning atmosphere is more precious than the knowledge I have learned.

Do you feel supported here?
Mt. Hood provides me with not only professional and technical knowledge but also allows me to conduct practical training in several different community work sites in Portland, which allows me to accumulate a lot of practical experience and work experience.

I believe that this is not something that every community college can do.

How do you utilize the resources?
I am currently working as a student affairs officer in the International Student Office, which is my second home at MHCC. We have weekly clubs that aim to help international students who come alone to the United States to study to get to know each other and help each other, rather than feeling lonely abroad.

I work with academic advisors in the International Office to organize entertainment activities such as board games, bowling, movies, and special holiday parties. I also hope that more international students can participate in our clubs.

I think that the experience of being an international student will not only be a very good experience on my resumé objectively, but it has also influenced my own academic experience and career path.

Plans after completing MHCC?
After graduating from my current major, I would like to become a counselor, so I would like to continue to apply for a graduate or master’s degree.

My experience studying in the United States has made me realize that pursuing my dreams is a wonderful journey, and it has allowed me to experience the sense of achievement of acquiring knowledge and values.

I also want to accept more different perspectives and critical thinking, and to become a qualified mental health practitioner.

Tips for international students?
I hope that all the incoming international students can have an exciting experience in the United States and successfully obtain a diploma.

So, my advice is: Make full use of the help and resources of the International Student Office. If you have any questions, contact the academic advisor. If you have any questions about class content or grades, you need to communicate with the instructor in a timely manner.

Be sure to prepare for future plans and for undergraduate university applications in advance. Experience the customs, history, nature and humanities of the U.S. in your spare time. Finally, muster up the courage to communicate in English and make more friends!

Christian Ilechukwu