Why SUNY Oneonta?
I was looking for universities in the United States because I came here as an international student from Japan. I found that SUNY Oneonta’s Office of International Education provides a lot more assistance and support for international students compared to other schools, so that was one of the biggest reasons why I chose Oneonta.
My Activities
Office assistant in the Office of International Education, peer mentor for international students
Best Experiences
When I was a freshman, I participated in a faculty-led trip to Bolivia about international development and culture there. That was a life-changing opportunity for me. We learned a lot about politics and culture, and we used what we learned in class in the field.
What I’ll Remember in 20 Years
This is my second year being a peer mentor for international students. We pick them up at the airport or bus stop and then welcome them. They came all the way here, and they must be really nervous. A lot of them aren’t sure what to do at first, but our job is to help them assimilate when they get here. I have a lot of international students as friends, and I really enjoy talking with them about culture differences and their various backgrounds.
Plans, Goals, Dreams
I’m interested in the international development field, specifically nongovernmental organizations like volunteering at schools in developing countries. That would be my ultimate goal.