I could hear my blood pumping in my ears when the principal was about to call my name. I started to feel nervous and excited at the same time for the future ahead. As I was going on stage to take my diploma, all the four years flashed through my eyes; the all-nighters, senior year stress, the parades, games, friends. The thought of going to a completely different city for college dawned on me, since it was unknown territory. The scariest part was that I was going to be considered an international student. I wasn’t sure how people would treat me due to this and how the administrators would treat me. But since the moment I got to the campus of University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM), I became aware of the great hospitality and kind nature of the people.

When I began school I could observe that everyone was excited to meet their friends again and start school. The whole atmosphere was festive, whether it be Week of Welcome events or the students. The first day of college was very nerve-racking as all the emotions swelled up. I went to my first class, met the professor and all the students. Then at the end of my class I looked at my schedule to see when my next class was, and I started sweating. I was in the correct course but the wrong classroom and the wrong professor. I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do in a situation like this, but my professor was very helpful when I talked to him. Surprisingly, that incident was relaxing. After that incident, I felt like this is the worst thing that would happen; after this, everything would be smooth sailing. Although I was familiar with the American culture from high school, the college atmosphere had a hint of freshness in it.

Ever since I was a kid, I was a bit reserved and self-involved. Making friends was hard for me, but meeting new people and hearing their stories has changed me for the better. This past year I have learned that no matter what happens, you have to give something at least a try, even friendship. All the events that happened have made me realize that the more uncomfortable you are doing something, the more it will transform you. Now, I try to get involved in events and things that will expose me to more new people so I can make new connections. I would definitely recommend any student, whether International or American, to make ULM their home for college.