It was January 1999 when I landed in St. Louis, Missouri. The weather was not what I expected, especially coming from the Caribbean Island of Dominica, where it is warm year ‘round.
I was excited about travelling to the United States on a track and field scholarship.
However, when I arrived, reality began to kick in. I remembered vividly that I wanted to return to the island because it was snowing and no one picked me up upon arrival. I was ill-prepared and poorly organized for cold, winter weather. No one told me what I should wear for cold weather, so I wore only a sweater on the plane.
As a freshman, I had no idea the educational system in the United States was different. As an international student, I had so much to adjust to in college in another country. Some of the more critical adjustments early on were to know how to look up classes and register, manage my time wisely, study well and be disciplined.
Adjusting to college life can be daunting psychologically, and as an international student, it adds another dimension with huge cultural differences. Taking care of myself was very different.
I had to adjust to the weather because I came to campus at the start of the spring semester, when it was very cold. Fortunately, since I had been to the Swiss Alps once, I had some warm clothing and boots, too, so I would not slip on the ice. Being an international student from a warm country was one of the biggest transitions.
Moreover, I had to learn a new educational system, as the Dominican system was completely different. I learned quickly how to use my resources on campus and met an upperclassman with experience, which was a huge help. He taught me how to navigate classes, the cafeteria and various buildings where my classes were held. I needed help, he provided me the support in my transition and my life became much easier.
