Hi! My name is Vanessa and this is my first time being in America as a USTL student.

My experience so far has been great and everyday feels like an adventure that is yet to be had.

For example, the first time I arrived at the University of Minnesota I thought the campus was so big it’s hard to get around without the help of google maps.(To be honest, I still rely on google maps to find my new classrooms).

One thing for sure is that being in this position has pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and become far more independent. Ever since I came here, I’ve been experiencing a lot of my first times. Things like, using google maps for the first time, eating alone at a restaurant, going on flights by myself, opening a bank account, using the light rail, using a debit card as payment, registering for classes, meeting professors at office hours, etc.

These experiences may not seem like much, but for me it has been very exhilarating and fulfilling because it allows me to grow as a person and it opens more opportunities to meet new people. At first, it can be a bit intimidating to do things on your own and go to places by yourself but you will get used to it, it’s not bad at all. (It’s a necessary step to adulthood guys!)

Aside from that, It’s also very fascinating to witness how fast the seasons change. When my orientation started the trees were very luscious and green but as time passed all the leaves started to change colors and it started to fall. Now, I’m almost at the end of my semester and it’s started to snow. Time flies very quickly, so try to do things that you’ve never done before once in a while, just to see how different your new experiences range from your old ones.


Lastly, I just want to say that my experience may be different from yours but being a USTL student really granted me the access to experience my first times without fear, because if things were to go wrong or become too complicated, there are people at the American councils that are willing to help with the trouble of transitioning.

So, start doing the things that you’ve been wanting to do and stop worrying so much. The worst that can happen is that, one day you’re left with the feeling of what ifs. (What would’ve happened if I had done this? And blah blah).