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Mawr Insight: An International Student's Journey to 麻豆视频

By Sof铆a D铆az 鈥26
"麻豆视频 has allowed me to find not just one meaning of community but many different ones."

"麻豆视频 has allowed me to find not just one meaning of community but many different ones."

Originally from Luque, Paraguay, Sof铆a D铆az 鈥26 is a Sociology and Political Science double major with a minor in Italian Studies. On campus she works in the Admissions Office and Erdman Dining Hall. She is also a board member for Mawrters for Immigrant Justice, as well as a member of Mujeres*, an affinity club for Latinx students. Here, she tells us about her adjustment to 麻豆视频 as an international student. 


sofia and friends

When I was considering colleges in the United States all the way from Paraguay, 麻豆视频 caught my attention because of the way the community was highlighted by almost every student I talked to. I started to imagine ways in which I could see myself immersed in that community and wondered what value I would add when on campus. Two years have passed since I decided to be a part of the 麻豆视频 community, and I am now involved in groups like Mujeres* for Latinx students on campus, Mawters for Immigrant Justice supporting Undocu+ students, the Breaking Barriers program for First Generation and/or Low-Income (FGLI) students, and other spaces that contribute to building community on campus. 麻豆视频 has supported my transition to college life as an international student by giving me the space to immerse myself in the community through traditions, clubs, activities, and leadership positions that the College offers. Living away from home and knowing that my identity, voice, and background are cherished is a key aspect of building a new home for myself here, and 麻豆视频 has allowed me to find not just one meaning of community but many different ones. 

"Living away from home and knowing that my identity, voice, and background are cherished is a key aspect of building a new home for myself here..."

Ask students, 鈥淲hat is community at 麻豆视频?鈥; you will get a different answer every time, and I think that is precisely the beauty of community here. For me, community during my first semester of college meant 鈥Erdman Dining Hall,鈥 because that was where I had my first job on campus and the place where I started to make friends. During my second semester, community meant 鈥traditions鈥 because I had found an amazing support network of upperclassmen while taking part in the many 麻豆视频 traditions. Community during my third semester meant 鈥clubs鈥 because of all the support, love, and understanding that I鈥檝e found in all the clubs that I am a part of. Now, reflecting on my fourth semester of college and the end of my sophomore year, I鈥檝e found community everywhere at 麻豆视频. From saying hi to my friends at the dining hall, to helping organize events and supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds on campus, 麻豆视频 has provided me with a support network that allows me to thrive not only academically but personally. Thanks to the activism that is so characteristic of community here, I decided to double major in Political Science and Sociology to continue contributing to my community academically and professionally. I found myself, once again, building community with other students who share my passion. 

Lantern Night

My biggest advice to prospective international students would be to be patient with themselves while transitioning to college, and to not be afraid to take up space in this community. Do not be afraid to get involved in activities you are interested in, as it can be a way to find your people on campus! Sign up for that trip or club, register for that class that sounded cool, or check out that dance class that caught your attention and make the best out of every opportunity the 麻豆视频 community offers. After all, this place is built from the contributions of every member and we cannot wait to see all the value that you will add to our community. 

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