Global Lakers connect over shared travel experiences

November 25, 2025 (Volume 49, Number 7)
Article by Joseph Martin

student in denim jacket with arm raised, speaking in front, people at round tables

Sydney Bunk shares experiences from a Japan trip before a room of people seated at round tables

Kaithlyn Koomson shares her travel experience from Ghana to the U.S. during Story Slam, held November 12 at the Mary Idema Pew Library.

Photo Credit: Steve Jessmore

Mikhael Neeme, an international student from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, shared a story about his tumultuous visit to New York, where he was forced to quickly learn how to navigate the largest city he’d ever been to.

“I found this cheap flight to New York when I was staying on campus over Thanksgiving Break," said Neeme, a sophomore who is studying computer science. "Then the flight takes me to Newark airport in New Jersey instead of New York, so I had to find a bus to take me to the city.

"When I did find one, the driver only spoke Spanish, so I was afraid of getting on the wrong bus."

Neeme was among the storytellers during an event hosted by the Padnos International Center November 12 in the Mary Idema Pew Library. "Story Slam" invited students to share their experiences during their time studying abroad, or, for international students, their time studying in the U.S.

Neeme recapped a few more transportation issues during that 2024 trip to New York City.

“I’ve never been in an area that was so urban. I come from a country where the tallest building is shorter than this library. When I went to New York, I felt like an ant looking up at all those buildings, it was a lot,” Neeme said. "Aside from that first night, he said the rest of the trip went well."

Sydney Bunk, graduate assistant for the Padnos International Center, helped co-host the event. She said one of the main goals of this event is for students to reflect on their past experiences and perhaps inspire listeners to pursue their own international experiences.

"The goal of the Story Slam is to connect global Lakers with one another and inspire others to take risks and engage in intercultural experiences,” Bunk said.