My Second Home

“Where is home to you?” This is one of the most common questions I got from people. As an international transfer student coming from an ocean away, it is hard to pinpoint the answer that reflects all the places I have lived. It was not until that I attended William & Mary that “a global migrant” as I call myself, finally found his second home in the Alma Mater of the Nation.

I am always amazed by how inclusive the campus is. Students here at W&M come from everywhere with distinct characteristics and ideas. I have made friends nearly from every continent and learned tremendously from them. I have strengthened my language skills, enhanced my understanding of global politics, and even got opportunities to taste authentic local cuisines at various language houses.

Besides the diverse student body, W&M’s students are equipped with real global perspectives. With the highest percentage of undergraduates participating in study abroad programs compared to other public universities, it is never hard to find students on campus who share similar experiences with you. I feel comfortable sitting in a class and hearing all different kinds of voices and opinion colliding with each other. This is simply fascinating considering we are studying in such an antique campus and meanwhile, the conversations going on are so cutting-edge and refreshing.

W&M’s Reves Center for International Studies offers students here with boundless opportunities and supports. Last summer, I worked as an international peer leader to help the incoming international students during their move-in and orientation days. I wanted them to feel the support of the community and believe me, there are many students alike here at W&M that care about you and want you to be as happy as they are.

With all the support and love from the campus community, I have never felt alone. Next time when people ask where am I from again, I know there is going to be an easy answer for that, and that is William & Mary.

As cheesy as it sounds, I hope you will love this place as much as I do. Good luck on everything and I will see you guys next time.

-Alfred Ouyang ’18