Travis Vail/Roundup
The campus at Pierce College is filled with students of every shape and color as well as many walks of life, and this is something that most of us consider normal.
Now imagine that you weren’t born here.
For many of Pierce College’s international students, the farthest place they’ve ever been from home is also the place where they live.
Milan Mladenovic is a 19-year-old computer networking technologies major who moved here from Serbia last December.
He can be spotted around campus by tan skin and accent that most tend to confuse for Russian. His default attire consists of spiked hair, trendy sunglasses, a tank top with a jacket thrown over his shoulder, fashionable jeans, and Air Jordan shoes; he is the European’s interpretation of American culture.
“I came here for a better education and more opportunity,” Mladenovic said. “There is less diversity in available jobs in Serbia, and they pay less too.”
Mladenovic isn’t shy about the small difficulties he faced during his first few months in the United States.
“It took me awhile just to figure out where I am,” said Mladenovic.
While the assimilation process would be difficult for anyone, Mladenovic does have one advantage over most other international students.
Mladenovic’s immediate family remains in Serbia, but he lives here with his cousin, Djordje Rosic, who also attends Pierce College.
The Rosic family has provided a valuable support system for Mladenovic since he’s been in the United States.
“Since the cities over here are much bigger than in Serbia, it’s hard to live without a car,” said Mladenovic. “I had a motorcycle when I was in Serbia; I’ve never had to depend on other people to get places.”
Understanding his situation, one would have to wonder if he ever hopes to return to his native Serbia.
“I miss my friends more than the place itself,” said Mladenovic. “I like it here.”
Mladenovic also points out that the International Students Club made it much easier to make friends.
The club meets in the International Students Lounge every Wednesday at 12:45 p.m.
LINKS: www.lapierceisc.com (International Students Club at Pierce)
CQ: Milan Mladenovic, Djordje Rosic.