Hi guys! I'm Chidera and I'm a '25 from Lagos, Nigeria. I've lived in a big city for nearly half of my life, so it's great to experience the scenic outdoor spaces surrounding Dartmouth. Outside of the classroom, I conduct research with the economics department, I'm a peer tutor for the Academic Skills Center and I'm also involved with the Dartmouth Energy Alliance.
Moving to another country for college can be a really daunting experience. You have to get used to different financial systems, phone plans, transportation services and so much more. Luckily, Dartmouth creates such a welcoming and helpful community for its international community through so many organizations like the Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS), International Students' Association (ISA) and the Office of Pluralism and Leadership (OPAL).
Right from when you get on campus for international students pre-orientation program (ISPOP) at the beginning of fall term, you are welcomed by amazing international student members, sophomores, juniors and seniors who are also international students who help to facilitate ISPOP and introduce Dartmouth to new students through an international perspective. I met some of my closest friends at ISPOP. I remember being really nervous about making friends at Dartmouth, but ISPOP was such an amazing time to meet other first year students and bond over our shared experiences as internationals.
One of the things you have to do when you get to the us is open a bank account and get a US phone number. I was also really nervous about this, but Dartmouth was so helpful with setting these up. On the first day of international students' orientation, Dartmouth invited some US banks and phone carriers to campus to help us set up our new us numbers and bank accounts. It was so helpful having them on campus because it made the process so much easier and faster.
During international students' orientation, the office of visa and immigration services also explained everything about maintaining our visa status in the US and all the rules we had to be aware of as international students through fun and easy-to-understand slideshows and presentations.
There are a lot of new experiences and lessons that come with moving to another country but it's really important and helpful to know that there are tons of people in the Dartmouth community who are incredibly willing and enthusiastic to help you.
The big-little process in my sorority has strengthened my bond with my big, fostered new friendships across class years, and deepened my sense of community and belonging on campus.
As a practicing Christian, my faith has always been the foundation of my life. Coming into college, I didn't want to lose that essential part of my identity. I wanted to deepen it. That's when I found Cru — and it changed everything.
The Sri Lankan New Year falls on the 13th and 14th of April, a time for plenty of celebrations and family time. At Dartmouth, I keep these traditions with my friends and celebrate a part of home every year!
Join me as I work with the Dartmouth Student Alliance for Ukraine and later on February 24 for our vigil on the anniversary of Ukraine's invasion. As a campus, we are committed to fostering understanding and compassion in the face of adversity.
