Attending the University of Minnesota was a transformative experience that fulfilled my dream of a high-quality university education and set the foundation for my career. My time at UMN helped me grow into a more confident and critical thinker. The experiences, both challenging and rewarding, taught me resilience—something I still rely on daily.

I’ll always remember afternoons lounging in hammocks by the river flats, the stunning sunsets over Washington Avenue bridge, and of course the spirited pickup basketball games at RecWell, and winning the soccer intramural league. I’m especially grateful to ISSS for their unwavering support, which made me feel welcomed from day one.