International students feel safe

By Deborah Lilly

Scott Martin BA ’91, director of International Student Services, wasn’t sure how the Anderson community would treat AU’s international students after the Sept. 11 attacks.

Martin admits, “I was very nervous.” He advised international students to stay on campus. “I basically said, ‘You don’t need to go anywhere. It’s a good day to study,’” says Martin.

Their parents were also concerned. Martin recognized their fears. He realized rumors were spreading around the world. He understood that many parents live in countries where violent retaliation is common. And he learned that not all parents understood the distance between New York City and Anderson, Ind. “New York could have been seven miles away. They just didn’t know,” says Martin.

Avik Bhattacharya from India admits his parents were worried — not about terrorist attacks on Anderson.

“They were concerned about any kind of misdirected backlash,” he explains, even on campus. But at AU, he adds, “I don’t think any of the international students have had anything to worry about. It’s not really the kind of place that reacts with violence.”

Faculty, staff and students shared Martin’s concern for their international friends on campus. “I had people come up and ask me if I was okay,” Bhattacharya says.

In the weeks to follow, Bhattacharya felt safe in the Anderson community as well, although he explains, “My interaction with the community is limited to going to the Dollar General, King Gyros or Family Video.”

Martin was pleased with the reaction both on and off campus to international students. Love, concern and hospitality remained alive in the face of fear.