International Student Category
One down, three to go
Apr. 21, 2014—Today was my last day of class as a Vanderbilt first year student, and while I still have finals to get through, I can’t help but take a quick glimpse back at this year. I have enjoyed every minute of everyday even when it was hard, even when I stayed up late working on an...
Surprise in Music Literature class
Jan. 18, 2014—After a long day I got to listen to a wonderful band in my American Popular Music class.
AWB and candy canes for my first winter break
Dec. 26, 2013—Unlike many other students, I have been dreading winter break for quite some time. For most students Winter Break means spending time with family. For me it meant staying on campus for three cold weeks. That I couldn’t do, so I planned ahead of time and applied for Alternative Winter Break. That was one decision...
ubuntu: a bittersweet homecoming
Dec. 16, 2013—Coming home to South Africa, in the wake of Madiba's passing
First Semester… First Steps
Dec. 14, 2013—I was going through some of my old family photos that I brought from Syria and I came across one that documents my first steps. Now that my first semester at Vanderbilt is over, this inspired me to look back at all the thing I did for the first time in the past three months.
“‘t let schooling interfere with your education”- Mark Twain
Dec. 9, 2013—This happened quite a while ago but I feel compelled to speak about it because of the thoughts it evoked from me. I am talking about choosing next semester’s classes. It is actually difficult to fathom that an entire semester at this beautiful school has come and gone just like that. It literally feels like...
My First Thanksgiving
Dec. 8, 2013—Last week saw the coming of Thanksgiving and all the festivities and traditions that come with it. I am talking about the turkey, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, green beans, corn and maybe even mashed potatoes. That may not be an exhaustive list but it is more or less comprehensive. As a Kenyan, Thanksgiving isn’t actually...
‘re Your Tour Guides
Dec. 7, 2013—Giving tours is one of my favorite things to do on campus. Not only do I get a chance to stand in front of a crowd of prospective students and their parents and younger siblings (and sometimes their uncles, cousins, and grandparents) and tell them all the ways in which Vanderbilt is the awesome school...
Why Vanderbilt?
Nov. 29, 2013—I perfectly remember this time of year last year. It was November and I was almost ready to submit my college applications, but was I really? In fact, I didn’t submit Anything until 3 hours before the deadline, which was stupid, I know, but I needed all the time I could have to revise and...
First Year writing Seminar Vs. Fall Break
Oct. 12, 2013—As an international student, I know that my chances of going back home are restricted to Summer break and maybe Winter break. Which is kind of sad, but still fine. There are so many things you can do during breaks if you’re an international student and it is a great way to explore the US....
Home away from home
Oct. 1, 2013—Socializing, getting out of your comfort zone and trying out different things.
I OVERSLEPT!
Sep. 23, 2013—I guess the title says it all, I OVERSLEPT! I woke up today around noon , which meant missing three lectures. Yes, it felt very bad. I had to put my clothes on in three minutes and run to Buttrick Hall to catch my 12 o’clock class. This is not something I am particularly proud...