Posted November 2, 2020 by Wheaton College
Tags:
Relationship-Oriented
International Student Programs
Jonathan Kim '23- That Sense of Belonging
By: McKayla Jin '23
Having been raised on the mission field, I always wanted college to be the place where I thrived both socially and academically. As a social person, I like to base my identity on who I hang out with and how I can serve those around me. Wheaton was a whole new experience in providing me many opportunities to build relationships and learn more about others.
A big part of college is the community you initially encounter, the people you just “click” with; they are valuable to a transition like this. Being an international student, my home is not where I’m studying, but I found my home with my friends, who gave me a sense of belonging and became my American family. I am thankful for all the resources Wheaton caters to students like me, which I used frequently throughout the year.
During Orientation Week, there were a multitude of gatherings hosted by international, third-culture, and multicultural programs and organizations. Though I felt overwhelmed and exhausted while trying to keep up with the schedule at the beginning, I realized that each event was another chance to meet new people. I actually met and befriended my current roommate at an event for third-culture kids. These resources that the college provides gave me a starting point to eventually take initiative and participate in the intentional community that has become distinctive to life at Wheaton.
Want to learn more about international student orientation? Here's more info for you!
/prod02/channel_1/media/Leonora-Owsley9-920X613.jpg)
/prod02/channel_1/media/Laurel-Bacote8-920X613.jpg)
/prod02/channel_1/media/Mary-Cyr-920X613.jpg)