Connecting Purchase with the Rest of the World

By: Natalie Tulloch

The International Student Association (ISA) is making its comeback after a one-year hiatus. ISA held its first interest meeting on Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m. in The Stood, aiming to rekindle a community for international students.

The ISA serves as a space for international students to meet and share experiences while encouraging connections between the Purchase student body and the wider global community. It is open to international students and anyone interested in engaging with different countries and cultures. The association aims to provide a platform for students to exchange ideas and traditions from their culture while focusing on well-being during their time at Purchase.

ISA has been a club at Purchase College, but it was forced to shut down last year due to a drop in interest. Bingqian Tang is a senior new media major who was born in China and moved when she was 12 years old. She heard about ISA, her freshman year through the club fair, and felt that the club suited her the best.

After that year Tang stepped up to become the president during her sophomore and junior years. Due to low interest, she decided to step down and the club died down as well. “It was just me and then my treasurer graduated, so I was quite exhausted, and then there was no one showing up," said Tang. "So I decided to step down and the club's been inactive from last year."

ISA meeting in The Stood. (Photos by Natalie Tulloch)

Bernie Manzolillo, the president of the International Students Association, was born and raised in Brazil before relocating to the United States in 2018. Now a senior communications major, Manzolillo is dedicated to revitalizing the club and fostering cultural unity on campus.

First introduced to ISA during his freshman year, he attended meetings sporadically. However, his experience as an orientation leader emphasized the importance of a supportive community, fueling his commitment to sustain and enhance the organization. Manzolillo aims to transform ISA into a more inclusive and community-oriented organization, rather than a commitment.

“A lot of times, going to a club feels more of an obligation than joining this, especially for ISA, and then it feels like you're committing to almost like a job, and I don't want it to feel that way,” Manzolillo explained.

Although he leads the meetings, he prefers not to emphasize his role as president, choosing instead to amplify the voices of all members and ensure that everyone has a say in the club's activities.

Adopting a relaxed approach to meetings, combined with a focus on including both international students and those interested in studying abroad, offers a welcoming environment that encourages greater participation.

”I mean, he [Manzolillo] has a lot of new ideas, like not just international students, they cater to domestic students who also want to study abroad. I think that's a very good way to go because I think a lot of people are hesitant to join the Club,” said Tang.

Stickers of World Flags for students to put on their shirts. (Photo by Natalie Tulloch)

Vice President Jo-Emma Felix is a junior psychology major who is an International student from Haiti. Felix is also an orientation leader like Manzolillo and loves to work with international students.

“It's kind of like my community, so I want to give back to this community and contribute to it,” said Felix. She aims to prevent another hiatus for the club by actively incorporating everyone's feedback to ensure a welcoming and comfortable environment for all members.

“Instead of just throwing activities at them, making it more like a community base where everybody is more comfortable, would make them want to come often,” Felix explained.

ISA at the Club Fair held on Sept. 4 at Campus Center North. Manzolillo (left) and Cirene Arling Ordoñez Zapata (right). (Photo by Natalie Tulloch)

To underline the club's commitment to fostering a creative and inclusive environment, Manzolillo emphasized the diverse opportunities available to members.

"Are you here to study dance? Maybe this is a space for you to create a dance piece, right? Maybe if you make art, let's have an art show. This is a space for you, for you to highlight your art," Manzolillo explained.

In addition to regular meetings, the group plans to host events such as picnics, music shows, and art exhibitions, showcasing the skills and talents of the international community. If you’re interested in joining, follow ISA on Instagram for updates on events and meeting times.