Students Say Hello!

Global Nomad | Myanmar | Tanzania | Germany | Ghana
India | Brazil | Jamaica | Norway | Zimbabwe | Democratic Republic of Congo

Students from many national, cultural and ethnic backgrounds have been a part of The College of Wooster campus since early in its history. This diversity is an essential aspect of our college community. Today, there are around 140 international students enrolled at The College of Wooster from around the globe. Just a few of these students from the following countries welcome you to Wooster!

Jillian Wright, Global Nomad

Al Salaam a' alaykum! My name is Jillian Wright and I am a ‘global nomad’ because of how often I have moved and lived in places abroad. If you ask me where am I from... it's a long answer. I am half British and half American. I was born in Bangkok, Thailand, and have lived in Korea, Singapore, Texas (USA), Switzerland, and Saudi Arabia. After having moved around so much, one of the things I value most about The College of Wooster is the sense of community here. I chose this college because the small intimate community made me feel welcome. This place has become "home" to me! I am a sophomore, living in the international dorm on campus (Babcock). I plan on majoring in Sociology. If you have any questions about anything feel free to email me at Jwright08@wooster.edu

Aung Maw Myo Lwin, Myanmar

Mingalarbar! I’m Aung Maw from Myanmar. I’m living FYLLP (First-Year Learning and Living Program) in Westminster Cottage - one of the several program houses. Out of 31 residents in Westminster, 29 are American. At first, I was upset about this. Coming from literally the other side of the world, it was hard enough - weather, food, culture, etc. The idea of living with a whole bunch of Americans was intimidating! However, if you ask me now, I wouldn’t trade Westminster with any other housing on campus. My housemates helped me settle down in this unfamiliar environment. They teach me how to play Frisbee, Football and other American stuff. In return, I tell them about my country and my people. This is more or less a typical relationship between American and international students in Wooster. Everywhere you look, you see students of different races and different perspectives, sharing views and culture. Students of Wooster enjoy such diversity, and international students have become an important part of the society. This, I believe, is exactly why I feel like home here. Yes, it sure is home. :)

Pritesh Karia, Tanzania

Jambo! My name is Pritesh Karia and I am from Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. I am currently a junior at the College of Wooster majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Choosing a college was one of the most important decisions of my life and I am proud to say that I made the right decision by enrolling at the College of Wooster. I was initially attracted to the small class size and the diversity that Wooster had to offer. Wooster also has a strong sense of community and students are highly encouraged to participate in the 100+ student organizations on campus. Being involved with some of the numerous activities on campus has enabled me to interact with a lot of different people, some of whom have become my friends.

Wooster is unique because it greatly encourages individualism and critical thinking in its student’s right from the first year. From F.Y.S to I.S, the education that I have received at Wooster has allowed me to extend my knowledge far beyond the classroom and mentally prepared me to excel at any endeavor.

Sebastian Reinecke, Germany

Guten Tag! I am Sebastian Reinecke from Frankfurt, Germany. When I was looking at Colleges and Universities in the US, I was overwhelmed by the variety of different college that vary in size, quality of education, academic and social life, international diversity and location. The moment when I left the Wooster campus after my interview and a tour with my parents during my college tour I was amazed by The College of Wooster, the people, great academics, facilities and the campus and of course the IS. The decision was made easy: I would go to Wooster!!! But I liked it that much that I wanted to come again this time for an overnight stay during my high school senior year. And now as I am a proud student of the College of Wooster I value my professors, the great diverse student body, the campus life and the great programs that are initiated by OISA like the host family program or International Orientation. There is always something to do and enjoy here at Wooster!!!

Yanfo Hackman, Ghana

Akwaaba! My name is Yanfo Hackman, and I'm a first year student from Ghana, West Africa. Six weeks into my Wooster 'epoch' - I can confidently say I am delighted I made the decision to come here. Twenty-nine hours on planes and in airports HAD to be worthwhile and on my arrival on campus, I was not disappointed. The potentially heavy impact of a culture shock was duly softened by excellent faculty, helpful seniors and an international student body, and before I knew it I felt at home. The College has been far better than I expected it to be, and one thing that surprised me were the top-notch facilities...as I take a dip in the indoor swimming pool, walk through the gigantic glass doors of the state-of-the-art library or watch a professor magically unveil a projected presentation at the touch of a button. I find myself thinking: "where has Wooster been hiding all these years?" One eye-catching review I came across during my college research has been confirmed: 'Wooster is America's best-kept secret'!

Although I face a heavy workload during the week, I can use the weekends to reward my hard work by jamming at the Underground, arcade and bowling at Rock 'n' Bowl or Intramural soccer! One thing I admire about the College is that despite the countless number of social activities available, the school is committed in unearthing student potential and ensuring that we leave here with the best of our ability. I am confident I have found a school that will lead me to my success. (you might, of course, ask me again once winter sets in : )

Gitika Mohta, India

Namaste! I’m Gitika Mohta, from The city of joy, Kolkata, India. I’m currently undecided about my major but am leaning towards international relations and art history. In my first semester last year a number of people asked me this question: “isn’t it difficult for you to adjust to a small place like Wooster, after coming from a city of 11 million?” Answering that wasn’t difficult. I have everything I need at Wooster and much more. The flavor of Wooster finds expression in my own attitude: “work hard, play hard”. Along with academics to take care of, there’s always so much to do on campus. Wooster Headline News always has a numerous events lined up for each day, and one can always find an interesting event taking place at some place. The large number of student organizations, recreation programs and sports here at Wooster has opened the gates to a life replete with fun, action and fulfillment. One can feel the energy spreading from dorms to lunch tables and classrooms with individuals from fields both far and near sharing an enthusiasm to learn. I have rubbed shoulders with the brightest and participated in events with the most enthusiastic here at Wooster. I have friends from all over the world and with every interaction, I learn so much more. Wooster is the starting point, the focal point in my effort to become the person I wish to be. In a place where independence of thought and social conscience is instilled; in an open space of resources, professors and students in search of knowledge; on a campus (one I fell in love with from the moment I arrived) that offers matchless opportunities, I believe that by the time I’m ready to graduate, I will have taken that giant stride towards fulfillment and success. Enhanced by this storehouse of experiences and knowledge, I have learnt to grow, to create, to love and to learn. At Wooster, the nucleus is the student, and the goal is to build individuals. Wooster has created the perfect setting for me and it is here that I have managed to create a home far away from home.

Ana Clara Azevedo, Brazil

Oi! My name is Ana Clara Azevedo, and I am from Goiania, Brazil. I lived in Brazil until I was fourteen, when I moved to the USA because of my mother's job. Growing up, I was always interested in science - especially biochemistry (my mother is in the Biomedics and Microbiology field). During my search for a school, The College of Wooster fully satisfied my expectations! My high school guidance counselor taught me the things that are important to look for in an American college. I wanted to attend a school that was personable and active. I wanted a school that could satisfy my rigorous standards for my major (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology). Wooster offers so much, and it has exposed me to areas that I had no prior knowledge of, but that I now love. I actually have a minor in philosophy! Who would have guessed? Anyway, hope to see you next year!
Tchau!

Sheldon Masters, Jamaica

Wa’ppun man? I am Sheldon Masters of the class of 2009. Im from Mandeville, Jamaica and I plan to major in Mathematics and minor in Economics. The Wooster academic environment has been a challenging but fulfilling one. So far I have learned a world of knowledge both inside and outside of the classroom from both wonderful professors and students. The social transition from high school to college seemed almost effortless because of the wonderful job that the orientation committee did. I have been here for only about two months and already have a learned so many things about so many cultures through the student diversity here at Wooster. One of the reasons why I chose to come to Wooster is that even before I got here the people seemed to have a genuine interest in each student. I'm sure that like me, most other Wooster students will agree with Loren Pope when he said that "As I have gotten to know what Wooster accomplishes, I testify there is no better college in the country". Lickle more!

Elisabeth Støve, Norway

Hei! My name is Elisabeth Støve and I am from Norway. I am currently a junior majoring in International Relations and possibly also German. Making the College of Wooster my choice of higher education was not difficult at all. I had always wanted to come to the United States to attend college and academically, the College of Wooster appealed to me. In addition, I was given a great deal of attention from the administration here, as well as pretty decent financial aid package. Attending a school so far from home has had its ups and downs, but with the support of the great friends I have made here, I feel like I have been able to handle them pretty well. In the two years that I have been here, I feel like I have grown as a person--I have definitely become more responsible and more independent.

Tamutenda Chidawanyika, Zimbabwe

“Why would one travel for 8207 miles – more than a day’s worth of traveling just to be isolated from family, to experience the harsh Wooster winter weather, to be tackled by a total change in lifestyle and to be confronted by the much anticipated cultural shock?” Makadini! My name is Tamutenda Chidawanyika (try to get your tongue around that!!), but you can call me Tamu to save time. I am a sophomore and leaning towards being a Chemistry major. Every time I am confronted by the above question, a clear image of the path on College of Wooster prospectus appears in my mind. To me, the answer is simple and becomes more apparent as time passes – opportunity, ambition, drive, passion – anything that places me on the path that will lead me to my ultimate destiny and success. For those who allow it to, the College of Wooster provides a wide variety of opportunities that nurture and mold well-rounded individuals. The majority of the opportunities are challenging, but once they are overcome, the challenges become stepping-stones to your aspirations or if you happen to stumble over a challenge, which is bound to happen sometime, you will learn something new about your strengths and limitations. Finally, I would like to leave you with this thought. Many of my friends at other colleges are disappointed that they don’t have host parents and I do. So, for those of you who are you considering coming to Wooster, if for no other reason, come because your friends will envy you! ;)

Laetitia Mwilambwe, Democratic Republic of Congo

Salut, Jambo, Mbote! My name is Laetitia Mwilambwe. I come from the Democratic Republic of Congo. My sister was a student at Wooster, and it’s through her that I found out about Wooster. Even as a freshman in high school I wore Wooster T-shirts, my parents had Wooster car stickers, yet for some reason I never would have imagined that I would also study at Wooster. Why Wooster? Other than the fact that it has been a name I associated with for years, I felt like Wooster was the one college on my list that would help me grow while providing me with the necessary comfort. As I left and took the plane from Kinshasa to Nairobi, Nairobi to London, and finally from London to the US, I had a lot of time to think about, stress over, and at the same time anticipate my arrival at the College. When I arrived here I fell in love with the place because it was not only beautiful, it just felt right as well. All the international students were well taken care of during orientation and as classes began I felt like I had not made a mistake in picking Wooster. Being here is wonderful because along with the opportunity to further my education, I can also educate others about my culture, the Congo. For a college to provide you with intellectual and social growth and still make you feel absolutely comfortable in a community completely different from your own, that is amazing; and that is what you will get at The College of Wooster.