Describe your college search.
Like most international students, I did not get a chance to visit Grinnell prior to my arrival as a freshman. I was looking for a school where I would fully integrate, experience college and American life, and also one in which my contribution as an individual mattered. I met and spoke with several deans of admissions from various colleges but after the two hours I spent with Grinnell College's dean, I knew the place I would be applying to and hopefully attending in the fall. He painted a picture of Grinnell College that made me want to be a part of that portrait—not only a school, but also a family.
What advice would you give to prospective students?
Grinnell is an adventure. There's no formula on how to go through the four years here at Grinnell but it's a journey that is worth taking for individuals who want to make their own mark. There are no limits on what you can do, and in return, what you'll achieve. One of the things you notice as you experience Grinnell is the strong sense of community and camaraderie. Just like in a community, everyone at Grinnell is gifted differently and contributes to the general well-being in their own way. It's amazing to see the close interaction among students and how admirable the relationship is between students and faculty.
Have you completed an internship, MAP, or study abroad?
I will be doing an off-campus study at Oak Ridge National Research Lab in Tennessee this fall and I am looking forward to it. My Chemistry MAP this summer has piqued my interest in research and in the quest to discover and develop new theories in an environment where you are free to experiment and no answer is wrong.
What has been your favorite class?
Learning Modern Greek through the Alternate Language Study Option was a great experience. I love picking up new languages. I still don't know if I'll use the Greek that I learnt but who knows what I'll end up doing with it.
What is your favorite aspect of Grinnell?
The diversity at Grinnell College makes you feel welcome. What's even more exciting is that you'll find people with similar interests who you click with right away. You're guaranteed to find a niche and develop fully. The saying, "Never judge a book by its cover," is one I came to fully understand at Grinnell. I've had amazing and memorable conversations with people I never thought I would ever get to talk to because I thought we had totally different lifestyles. Whether it's at the line at the pasta bar or in the locker rooms after practice, you're sure to strike up a conversation and trust me, a week later, you'll still be talking.
