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Natoya German ’24

Major: Africana and Latin American studies / Minor: Arabic

As an OUS scholar at ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ, I have truly been able to feel a part of a community.

Natoya German ’24 Bronx, N.Y.

Describe your experience as a OUS scholar at ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ.

As an OUS scholar at ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ, I have truly been able to feel a part of a community. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been able to connect and feel closer to my peers. Individuals like John Palmer, Jessica Pearce, Frank Kuan, and Dean RaJhai Spencer have provided me with the support that I need as an undergraduate student. Additionally, I am able to build valuable relationships with faculty and staff through the events and programs held by OUS. Being a part of the OUS family comes with a sense of comfort and security, through knowing that I have people around me who may share the same identity, hobbies, and experiences or just us simply being connected to each other.

Have you had a pivotal moment as a student at ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ?

During the fall semester of my first year, I found the course work to be a heavy load. I was new to school, trying to get involved in extracurriculars as much as possible, and making friends. Also, I didn’t know how to manage my time accordingly. Feeling the pressures of my personal, social, and academic lives, I was tempted to drop out of CHEM. However, with the help of my OUS family, I was able to overcome my doubts about the future by tackling each of my issues at a time.

What was one thing you wish you knew as an OUS student coming to ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ?

One thing that I wish I knew as an OUS scholar coming to ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ is time management. However, during my OUS summer, I was able to grasp an understanding of what it should look like and implemented that into my first semester of college.

What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment as a student at ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ?

I think that my biggest accomplishment as an OUS scholar here at ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ is my ability to manage my time. Thinking back to a year ago, the concept of time was an illusion to me. However, being at ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ made clear to me the reality that time waits for no one. I adapted quickly to working around and within my schedule to ensure that I had the right balance of academic, social, and personal life. While I continue to improve my time management skills, I am very proud of where I am on my journey so far. 

What do you think of ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ’s Third-Century Plan, DEI initiatives, and ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ’s future from your student perspective?

Personally, I believe ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ’s Third Century Plan and its DEI initiatives are mission statements that foreshadow a prosperous future for ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ. However, that’s just it: a mission statement. These goals have yet to be achieved in practice as much as they sound good in theory. Nevertheless, I say this not to refute the attempts and successes that have been made when it comes to these initiatives, but rather to speak to the fact that there is still a lot more work to be done. 

A portrait of Natoya.

What advice would you give to future ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ students?

The undergrad experience is not monolithic. Students have their own individual creativity, characteristics, and goals. In saying that the ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ experience is not based on the collective, I encourage you never to forget who YOU are. As you try to adapt to this new environment, keep an open mind when meeting others. The best advice I received upon arrival at ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ was to just be yourself because only then will you attract true and genuine relationships. I just know that you are all amazing individuals, and that’s why you’re coming to ’Gate. I can’t wait to meet you all!

What are your plans after ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ?

After ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ, I plan to attend dental school and eventually obtain my own practice.

 

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