I would say that the one perception I had of the U.S. as a student from Canada is how the U.S. favours individualism and prioritizes personal success rather than community building. Ever since I was a kid I have…
Those Neglected Issues: The Journey of an International Theater Student
I came to the US to learn theater with full heart of excitement. As a person who loves musical, I had been looking forward to the theater industry for a long time. Theater is a safe place for me, where…
Nostalgia on a Plate: When Home Tastes Like a Stereotype
I come from a village in Taiyuan, Shanxi. As the sun went down, there were always kids like me chasing each other through the neighborhood, giggling down the streets. The air would be filled with the shouts of street merchants,…
Lafayette College and my Hometown
The educational system of my hometown, Long Island, and the educational system of Easton Pennsylvania have many similarities and differences. Moving from Long Island to Pennsylvania I had to adjust to different teaching styles and academic expectations. Additionally, the…
Bridging Cultures: A Year of Friendship and Discovery
One year ago, I made a close friend with an international student from Italy. He came to our country for a year and sat right next to me on the first day of my senior year of high school in…
From the Unknown to the Known
Coming from Liberia, I expected differences in education and lifestyle, but I didn’t realize how deeply culture shock would hit me in everyday moments. From classroom experiences to simple conversations, I’ve had to navigate situations that made me feel…