Hays through the eyes of an international student

Written by Awosika Olamide, an international student in the MBA program at FHSU

I did a ton of studying about Hays, Kansas, and watched a ton of videos before I left for the city. I knew for one that Hays is a small community built with love and extremely industrious people. So ask me why I was surprised when I looked out the airplane window and all I could see was dry land. Weirdly, as the flight attendants announced our arrival in Hays, I had a feeling of trepidation. Being someone who enjoys fun activities, my main thought during the quick ten-minute journey to school was, “What amusement opportunities does this place offer?”

A few weeks down the line, and I can say for certain that the community of Hays sure knows how to have fun. I dare say I’ve already integrated into this community, thanks to the numerous activities I’ve enthusiastically participated in since my arrival. Remarkably, there is something to suit every taste. At the moment, my favorite place to be is the lake. It provides a plethora of recreational options, such as swimming, kayaking, fishing, and, if you are lucky enough, you get to enjoy a boat ride. 

The Sternberg Museum significantly enriched my understanding of Hays’ history, and the nightlife here is a delightful departure from what I’m accustomed to. With a reasonable budget, you get to have so much fun sweating it out at Sip and Chucks and conclude the night with a dash of flavor by indulging in tacos from Tacos El Guero Guey.

One enduring trait of Hays’ residents is their love for community bonding. I witnessed this firsthand at the Tiger Football game, where not only students but also individuals from Generation X, millennials, and Generation Z all came together. It was a truly heartwarming sight.

While I acknowledge that the demands of my academic pursuits, with their numerous assignments and tests, can be taxing, Fort Hays has played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community. There truly is something for everyone, whether it’s the International Student Union, the Black Student Union, the Asian Student Union, or Challenge, among others. You’ll never feel excluded. 

And for those moments when cooking seems too laborious, you need only consult the events listed on Tiger Link. There is always an enticing event on the horizon, offering delectable options like pancakes, pizza, ice cream, and, my personal favorite, hotdogs.

If you ask me today what my notion of Hays is, I will say peaceful, with genuinely happy people ready to share their happiness with you.

Habibi, come to Hays !!!

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