I am originally from Cochabamba, Bolivia, a country located in the heart of South America. When I was considering college opportunities in the United States, I looked for a place that could help me thrive in both my professional and personal projects.
Because Grinnell was known to be such a prestigious school, with many resources to help students explore their interests, I decided to apply — and then to enroll. Four years later, I have found a community that I will forever remember and cherish.
Cultivating Community
I arrived on campus early for the International Preorientation Program (IPOP), which introduced me to Grinnellians from all over the world as well as the Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) and campus resources.
Shortly after, I also joined Student Organization of Latinx (SOL), which serves as a cultural and social network for Latinx students across campus. As a Bolivian international student, SOL has been a powerful place for me to form friendships, explore my own identity, and learn about the varied experiences of other Latinx Grinnellians.
The Office of International Student Affairs not only helps with all the different legal aspects of being an international student in the US, but also proudly celebrates the diverse group we have on campus. A couple of years ago, OISA started Cultural Attaché, a program that connects international Grinnellians with the local Grinnell community.
Extreme Society
In my first year, an older international student and mentor of mine recommended that I join Extreme Society, an organization that organizes outdoor trips around the United States.
That first year, I got the opportunity to go to Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana to see their amazing national parks and meet people with two similar passions: nature and adventure! After my mentor graduated, I stayed involved with Extreme Society, participated in two more trips, and joined the organization's board.
Global Grinnellian
In my second year, I was fortunate to participate in one of the the Global Learning Program (GLP) classes, funded by a generous College alumna. GLP: Tolerance and Intolerance is a class that took me and 12 other students to Paris, Berlin, and Strasbourg for about three weeks over spring and summer breaks.
Through our travels, we examined historical and present-day intolerance and its challenge to Enlightenment ideals of tolerance, rational debate, and human rights. In our off time, we got to walk around the city, visit museums, and practice the languages we were learning!
Challenging Heights
At the end of my second year, I decided I wanted to further pursue my passion for socioeconomic development. Since I was interested in grassroots organizations, I applied and was accepted to intern with Challenging Heights, a Ghanaian non-profit that works to end child trafficking, reduce child slavery, and promote children’s rights.
Challenging Heights was founded by 2011 Grinnell Prize winner James Kofi Annan!
Life in Lisbon
For the spring semester of my third year, I studied abroad in Lisbon, Portugal! While there, I stayed with a wonderful host family and took history and anthropology classes on Portuguese culture across pre- and post-colonial years. Even though my experience was cut short due to COVID, I appreciate every day I had and cannot wait to return sometime soon!
Finding My People
Grinnell has given me a family that I will always cherish. These past four years have been a joy, and the people, the adventures, and the challenges have made me the person I am today. I will forever be grateful for the community I have found in the middle of Iowa!
