Freshman Joel Puia’s story of being an international student from Myanmar at SNU is encouraging, insightful, and further evidence of God showing up in the details. From being overwhelmed at the thought of leaving his home, to flourishing and adapting to life at SNU, God’s hand is evident in Puia’s story.
Puia grew up in Myanmar, where his father was a pastor at their local Nazarene church. His father, who often traveled to the U.S. for speaking engagements, found himself at our very own Bethany First Church. Upon arrival, he encouraged Joel, in his senior year of high school, to consider SNU for his next steps. Through his father’s convincing and research of his own, Puia decided that he wanted to make SNU his college home. However, getting there would not be a linear path.
At one point, when Puia doubted he would make his flight to the U.S., his father pulled him and his mother aside at the airport to pray for a miracle. And God delivered.
“It was a miracle,” Puia expressed.
On his way to SNU Puia says it was “overwhelming” thinking about having to make friends and “fit in” in a different culture and environment. However, soon after his arrival, he found that making friends would be easier than he initially thought.
While there have been difficulties and adjustments, Puia wanted to encourage other international students in similar situations as his.
He says, “If you are considering coming to SNU, but are worried about fitting in and making friends, do not worry because it is much easier than I thought”.
In regard to Oklahoma as a whole, Puia stated that “there are differences between the cultures, but it seems as if that’s ok, and there is an understanding”. As compared to a larger city where it is easier to simply go unnoticed.
He noted that, “SNU makes it easier because of the christian culture, there being other international students also makes it relatable”.
Puia strongly noted that since God made a way for him to get here, God has also provided him the community to support the difficult transition.
One particular event that stands out to Puia that has made his experience at SNU particularly special was the Fall Disco back in October. He enjoyed being with the friends he made, as well as dancing to fun music.
Some of the things he misses most about his home country are “family, friends, and food.”
At a school like SNU where there is a large international student population, it is important to highlight stories like Puia’s so that our campus continues to be a welcoming and uplifting environment towards those with unique backgrounds.
Photo provided by: Abby Crawford