Pounds on the bleachers resemble chariot horses galloping with increasing speed through the ancient streets. Screams and cheers ricochet off the gym walls. Laughter stems up from the crowd with a jovial roar.

Monday night was the finals game for SF State's Intramural indoor soccer club and the International Education Exchange Council's team, United Nations, were playing hard against their opponent Haiti United. Prior to arriving, I wasn't sure if the turnout would be very promising. As if my thoughts were actually prayers, the crowd was phenomenal. Many of the international students showed up for what became a soccer game of undeniable intensity.

The players of the competing teams vying for the win were relentless in their game and, at times, even a bit malicious. Legs went outstretched in hopes of an overlooked trip, bodies were thrown towards each other in the name of defense. As long as the means to the end are worth it, I think anything goes.

It was definitely worth it because the IEEC team United Nations, won the game by the hairs of their chins. With that being said, what took precedence over winning the game was the fantastic spirit that may have helped them to their win. Their comrades cheered their hearts out and with such obvious sincerity, it wouldn't have mattered if they had won or not.

I wish I had a brigade to root me on with such undying fire as they had. Given, I have the best friends a guy could ever ask for but the vocal capacity of this crowd were very commendable. And the guys out playing the game seemed to have a certain fraternal bond and adrenaline that was consistently growing throughout the game. If the real UN had a soccer team, these would be the recruits.

On another note, sadly, this will be my last blog post for the International Students Blog. Please hold back the tears; I can almost hear your weeps and sobs already. As an ending, I leave you all with this:

Whether you are studying abroad in Denmark, a traveling vagabond through Southeast Asia or just a local in a city with international acclaim, don't be scared to meet the people that may change your life, no matter where they're from. We live in San Francisco, you guys! More internationals come through here than most other places. Experience their stories and create new ones. Trust me, there's nothing better than escaping the life you're tiring of than by running off to another corner of the world, especially when you have someone to run to, in that far-off, otherworldly corner of this vast globe.

It's been real.

-Daniel H.D. Nguyen