“A Story of Growth, Friendship, and Discovery”: Our First Scholar from Malawi, Faith Reflects on her Start at Union College

Arriving in the United States for college was one of the scariest yet most exciting experiences of my life. I was afraid of change. Being in a new environment, making new friends, and adjusting to a new culture was intimidating. I worried about how I would fit in and how I would navigate life so far away from home. But everything started to change during Global Orientation. I met wonderful people who soon became some of my closest friends. We bonded over shared experiences, and now we spend so much time together. That early connection made a huge difference in making Union feel like a second home.

Adapting to a New Culture

There were quite a few things I had to get used to in the US — things that might seem small but felt significant to me at the time. I learned how common it is to greet people, hold doors open for others, and adjust to different food habits and the tipping culture. These everyday interactions gradually became a norm for me.

Discovering Union College

Union College turned out to be a warm, welcoming place. The students and faculty are incredibly friendly and supportive, which made my transition much smoother. Although the trimester system was initially confusing and complex, my professors always helped me understand the material and guided me. With their support, I was able to succeed in my courses.

Academically, this year has been both challenging and rewarding. I took courses including Scientific Computing, Cell Foundation of Life Biology, and Introduction to Biomedical Engineering: Graphics and Imaging. I have always wanted to learn a programming language, and taking the Scientific Computing course was the perfect opportunity to do so while fulfilling my academic requirements.

During the winter term, I enrolled in a course called Japanese Anime and Manga, which fulfilled one of my General Education Curriculum requirements. As a long-time anime fan, I absolutely loved this class. It offered a deeper understanding of how anime and manga are rooted in Japanese culture, which made me appreciate the art form even more.

Getting Involved on Campus

I joined the African Students Association and the Jaiva Afrobeats Dance Club in the first week of school. I had known about these clubs before I came to Union, and I was really excited to finally join them. Being part of these groups allowed me to stay connected with my roots, meet new people, and share my love for dance and culture. It has been such a meaningful way to interact with people who have similar interests and backgrounds.

My Experience in Upstate New York

Upstate New York has a beauty that captured my heart. The fall foliage is absolutely stunning, with vibrant colors painting the trees. I also enjoyed the serene environment and peaceful walks around campus, especially during sunset. Experiencing my first winter was unforgettable — while the cold was intense, I loved seeing snow for the first time and embracing a new season. The winter term was particularly tough. I took an extra class to meet engineering credit requirements, and balancing that with the freezing weather wasn’t easy. But it turned out to be a journey of self-discovery. I learned to manage my workload, find study habits that worked for me, and understand that it’s okay to figure things out at my own pace.

A Lesson for the Journey

If there’s one important lesson I’ve learned this year, it’s that everyone’s journey is unique. It’s okay if someone else’s way of doing things doesn’t work for you. What matters is finding your own rhythm, persevering, and learning what works best for you. As I look ahead to the next few years, I’m filled with excitement and gratitude for everything I’ve experienced so far — the friendships, challenges, lessons, and beautiful moments that made my first year at Union College truly unforgettable.