Coming to the University of Minnesota from the Philippines felt like a privilege — convenient transportation, clean air and water, accessible community services, and equal opportunities and activities. This place is serene with its beautiful lawns, shrubs, and trees. It also amazes me how the institution is generous with its resources, which I maximized during my stay like free food, groceries, learning materials and study space, leisure places and events, and health services.

Moreover, I admire how approachable my advisor and professors are at the College of Education & Human Development. It was a culture shock for me how open, understanding, and respectful they are with our time and with how we express ourselves. They provide us with a safe space and helpful feedback.

Lastly, the people and organizations I met at the university made my stay more comfortable because of the friendships I’ve built with them. I became an officer of The Hospitality Center student group and they support me in honing my leadership skills. I also got engaged with other international student organizations and they made me explore and appreciate more the beauty of the state and the country.

All of my experiences made me grounded in my identity as a Filipino and appreciate cultural diversity. I thank the University of Minnesota, the Fulbright Commission, and the Alpha Delta Kappa who provided me a scholarship to experience quality education and life-changing perspectives. Everyone's genuine generosity inspired me to give back through knowledge-sharing in any type of conversation (like a podcast) or conference, providing service through volunteer activities (like the Master Gardener program and other disability-related organizations), and ultimately, contributing to the research and disability community with my master's thesis that explores bridging the education and employment of youth with disabilities.