A cup of hot chocolate with international students at Agnes Scott

Scottie Snow Day fun all day long

Warm greetings from a recently cold Decatur. You might have heard in the news that last week the Southern states experienced a "snowpocalypse" i.e. a very unusual snowstorm for this part of the U.S. Although the weather didn't seem too extreme to me and students who come from the parts of the world where winters are more severe, here snow is considered very abnormal and the cities are simply not able to cope with it. As a result, most of the institutions, including Agnes Scott, were closed, and Atlanta literally shut down. Scotties really enjoyed snow days running and playing in this crazy weather. It was so great to share the excitement with some people who have never seen snow before in their life.

In a cold weather like last week, there is nothing better than enjoying a cup of hot chocolate with friends. I used this opportunity to meet a bunch of international students at Agnes Scott and learn about their experience here. Hopefully, it will become a source of motivation for you as you wonder what it will be like once you become a Scottie.

Aine Sherry (on the left), exchange student from Ireland

How did you feel before coming to Agnes Scott? What were your expectations? What were you most worried about?

I was initially nervous as I had never visited US before. When I found out that I was going to all women's college in the South, I imagined a strict and conservative school. Soon I realized that Agnes Scott was far from my initial thoughts. The environment here is really open minded and it has given me a broader perspective of the world. I got my eyes opened, in a positive way. I had no other real worries about coming to Agnes except how would I deal with the hot weather.

What is your favorite this about Agnes Scott College?

My favorite part of Agnes Scott is the support network provided for students, like the Center for Writing and Speaking, tutoring hours for every class or the Center for Student Engagement. I also think the environment and atmosphere around the college is wonderful. I really enjoyed the college traditions like Black Cat Week- we really have nothing like that in Ireland. 

What has been the biggest challenge since you arrived to the United States?

Apart from being the only Irish person on campus and people not understanding my accent, the work load was hard to get used to at Agnes. It's like being in the secondary school for me, with regular readings and assignments. College life at home is much more relaxed. Students have bigger assignments but less often. However, I got used to the new routine after only couple of weeks. I realized that the workload made me actually motivated to achieve good grades.

What is the biggest change you have seen in yourself so far?

Motivation and independence. I used to think that these two particular aspects of my personality were already strong. However, I found out that moving a few thousand miles away from home and not being able to see my family whenever I want is actually very hard for me. By saying this, I mean that I became more independent and it benefited me a lot- I wouldn't change it for sure! I also started appreciating my upbringing, family and friends- they are a wonderful support system for me. Lastly, Agnes Scott really motives me into doing as much as I possibly can, which is great. I definitely push myself far more out here than I would do back at home. I am eternally grateful to have the opportunity of being a Scottie.   

Lulu Xiaoxuan Liu, transfer student from China

How did you feel before coming to Agnes Scott? What were your expectations?

I have already studied in a university in China for two and half years before I transferred to Agnes Scott. I decided to go to a medical school in the US and the requirement I had to meet was to get the U.S. undergraduate degree. I was looking for a school where I could focus on my preparation for the medical school. I didn't know much about Agnes Scott before but I was attracted by its small classes and the beautiful campus. I felt it was something for me.

What is your favorite thing about Agnes Scott College?

I love the professors here. I admire their knowledge and achievement and I appreciate that they are always willing to help their students. I visit their offices often and I always get a lot of inspiration from them. I remember once, I talked with a professor until 2 a.m. in her office about science. It was crazy, but I really enjoyed it.

What has been the biggest challenge since you arrived to the United States?

I went to a university in China before so it was very challenging to switch to a foreign language suddenly. 

What is the biggest change that you see in yourself so far?

I became more confident. Agnes Scott encourages me to chase my dreams. No matter what the students are interested in, as long as they devote themselves in it and work hard, the school will support it. Now I am more confirmed in my dreams of becoming a cardiologist. 

Bethel Wondwossen, first year student from Ethiopia

I was neutral before coming to Agnes Scott. I didn't know what to expect so I didn't have my hopes high or low. I was open-minded because I knew that change was inevitable. I found myself really like Agnes Scott because it is so easy to meet the professors on a regular basis and the environment on campus is conductive to success. I also appreciate the small size of Agnes Scott. I love the campus. It is the ideal place for me. 

However, I have also experienced some challenges. The first challenge was accepting people different than myself such as in their sexuality. In fact, I opened up more as year progressed. I can say that this challenge modeled me into a more compassionate, understanding and loving person. 

Can you empathize with any of the feelings shared by the Scotties? Please, feel free to share in the comments section your own concerns and expectations towards your arrival to the United States and Agnes Scott. As always, I am happy to correspond with you via e-mail (globaladmission@agnesscott.edu). Be on the look out for the next post about the Valentine's Panel, organized by the International Students Association for the next week, during which some students from different countries will give presentations about the norms in relationships and marriages in their home countries. I look forward to hearing from you.

Karolina Klimczak '16

Office of Admission International Fellow 

141 E. College Ave

Decatur GA 30030

globaladmission@agnesscott.edu