Country of Origin: South Korea
Degree: Finance
Student Organization: International Students in Business

I am from the University of Utah Asia Campus in South Korea, where I completed my freshman and sophomore years. I came to the U.S. to complete my junior and senior years, and when I first arrived this summer, everything felt very different from the Asia Campus. As a junior, I knew I had to adjust as quickly as possible.

Speaking English was the hardest part for me. I wanted to have conversations with others, but even though many sentences were in my head, it was difficult to express them out loud. I am still working on improving my English, but now I choose to speak up anyway. I’ve learned that experiencing new things, even if it feels uncomfortable, is always better than doing nothing. This was my first time living outside of my home country. At first, I missed everything: my family, friends, and even home food. These feelings are completely normal, and many international students experience the same struggles. What I want to say is that it’s okay to feel afraid and uncomfortable at first. These emotions don’t last forever. With time, you will adjust, and what once felt unfamiliar will slowly become comfortable. I hope this experience helps you grow and discover more about yourself.

Advice to my peers: Challenge yourself to apply for on-campus positions, even if you feel uncertain at first. Just try it. Don’t hesitate to speak up, ask questions, and try new experiences. Being yourself is more than enough; people will appreciate your authenticity and openness.