What would you like international students to know about you?

I enjoy meeting new people and I am especially interested in meeting new international students in order to find things we have in common. It’s the best way to learn!

What do you like best about attending the University? What do you like least?

I like being able to control my time, and I like being around so many people my age, the vast majority are smart, interesting and friendly. I also can tell I am learning so much everyday from my classes and the people I meet. I can really feel myself becoming a more dynamic person on an ongoing basis.

I dislike the lack of privacy at University. I love having a roommate but I make a point to seek out spaces on campus where I can really be alone if I need it. It can also be difficult at times to be so far away from my family-it’s not that I necessarily miss home, but if I’m having a problem it’s often inconvenient to call them because of the time difference.

What challenges did you face during your first year at ND?

I had trouble with the fact that I didn’t quite know where I was. My family had just moved to Taiwan and I had never even seen my house. Before that I lived in Japan for all of high school, so that was where my friends were and the “home” I missed, but I couldn’t really say I was from there either, since I also grew up in the U.S. For a long time I felt at a loss because I am American but missing many of the basic experiences and interests most other American ND students have-like a love of football, or a strong political and religious background.

What advice would you like to give new students to help them succeed at the University?

Meet as many new people and join as many friend groups as possible. This is easiest in the first couple of weeks of school but you should really continue doing this all year. Not only do friends come in handy for emotional support, but they are my best resource when I need help with one of my classes.

Do you have any advice to help students adjust to life in the United States and at ND?

American people, especially ND students, are very  friendly. If you want your friends to appreciate you and your experiences, don’t be afraid to proactively share them. Consider organizing a culturally related dorm event, you’d be amazed by the response!