My Transformation: How Arcadia Changed Me As A Person
One of my earliest memories of Arcadia was sitting in a classroom in Boyer Hall listening to lectures for a class on the first day of my freshman fall semester. During the introduction, I said, “I am an international student from Cambodia,” and my professor really welcomed me, made me feel warm, and reassured me that I had chosen the right place to continue my studies. That class was called General Chemistry I, which is required for the majority of STEM majors.
I have always been interested in Chemistry, but I was stressed because I had not adjusted to college yet. It was hard for me, not because I did not understand the material, but because of the language barrier. Chemistry terms are really different in English than in my native language. Later in the semester on my first quiz, I remembered that I did not know how to write the name of “MnSO4” in English (It is Manganese (II) sulfate) and my professor allowed me to write it in my native language, which was “ម៉ង់កាណែស II ស៊ុលផាត.” Other than that, he also took his time to do a presentation about the ways in which we can study in order to be successful in college life. I was really excited because I felt like my professor really cared and wanted to understand his students.
Because he has become a mentor, I am taking another class with him this spring. He always welcomes students to discuss their concerns and experiences to grow in their personal lives as well. He encourages students to find their potential. I remember one time, I was struggling because I was not sure what I wanted to do in the future and I talked to him to get another opinion or experience that he had. Those conversations took more than an hour and he connected me with another person who had those experiences and could provide helpful information for me. She is also an international student and she provides really helpful advice for me about my job search as an international student here.
In addition to his assistance, the entire Arcadia community also has many resources that help me to succeed, from the library to the Writing Center, that are available to help students whenever they need it. The campus is beautiful, which makes me want to learn. The campus itself always reminds me of my home country, which prevents me from missing home so much.
My high school experience was different from Arcadia, which is why my first time at Arcadia, I was very nervous. All of these resources that I got here transformed me from one person into a new person who likes to try new things and has more confidence. Now, I do not worry about raising my hand in class, as well as talking to my professors and my classmates, some of whom I now call friends. Overall because of what the Arcadia community provides to me, my mental health has improved dramatically.
