By Ivan Gelado Chavala, senior triple major in Accounting, Business Administration and Digital Marketing
Coming to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College has been a unique experience in my life, and I have learned many things about myself that I definitely wouldn’t have learned without stepping outside my comfort zone. As an international student, it wasn’t easy leaving behind my family, friends and everything I was familiar with, but the experience has helped me grow so much as a person.
What surprised me the most was definitely how easy it was to connect with people. Coming from different countries and having different cultures, I thought it would be much harder to build such close relationships. However, I was surprised by how welcoming and kind everyone was. Together, all the international students created a big family where we have always supported each other.
The most important lesson I have learned from this experience is that you should always try to be a good person, stay positive and look for the good in every situation. I have also learned to enjoy the present and appreciate the little moments, because relationships and the moments we share with people don’t last forever, and sometimes we don’t realize how special they are until they are gone.
The College has also taught me to be much more independent and responsible, both in my personal life and in preparation for my professional future. Thanks to all the classes, internships and jobs I have had throughout my college years, I feel ready to begin the next chapter of my life.
As an international student, I will stay connected to SMWC by watching the soccer team’s games, following the College’s social media accounts, and, most importantly, keeping in touch with all the amazing people I have been lucky enough to meet during these years who have made this experience so special to me.
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