My UCEAP Journey as an International Student

“Studying in another country” sounded like an impossible mission when I first graduated from high school. At first, I did not have any expectations or imaginations of where this journey would lead me. It has been three years since I first arrived in the United States. Now that I’ve found a sense of belonging, I have moved on to seek achievements and improvements. I feel accomplished when I challenge my abilities, but sometimes I wonder if that is what I really want to get from this once in a lifetime journey.

I can still remember what my parents told me on my freshman move-in day at UCSB, “All you have to do is to have a wonderful time at UCSB and enjoy your four years in this beautiful city”. At first, I did what they told me to do. I attended various kinds of events and tried to get involved on campus; however, this did not last long. I soon started to worry about my grades and my future after graduation. I was concerned about not being able to find an internship in summer and not being able to get a job after college. Just like all other Economics and Accounting students, I spent the Winter quarter of my Sophomore year interviewing with Big Four accounting firms and Mid-Tier firms, hoping to get the opportunity to participate in their Summer Leadership Programs, which offer internship opportunities in the following summer. As an international student, I did not have any experience talking to professionals and preparing myself as a candidate that is ready to enter the workplace. The week before my interviews, I was depressed and worried because I considered myself as inferior and less competitive compared to other domestic students. I could not think of anything that I was proud of and any achievements that could impress the firms; however, things did not go as I had imagined. I still remember the first question a campus recruiter asked me during my first round interview. She asked me “How could you handle leaving home for so long and starting a brand new life independently in the U.S?” At that moment, I was too scared and speechless, so I did not give her the answer that was actually on my mind. Even though I did not end up getting the offer, how I define my identity as an international student has changed completely. I no longer consider myself different from others. I have stopped myself from the competition of comparing with others and living under the peer pressure of seeking achievements.

Not far from now, I will be stepping into my last year at UCSB. Thinking of what I really hope to get from my journey in the United States, instead of getting a summer internship or post-graduation job offer, I would say that I want to create friendships that last for the rest of my life and memories that can leave permanently in my heart.

Picture 1: Freshman Year at UCSB

Picture 2:  UCSB Taiwanese Student Association

I am the President of UCSB Taiwanese Student Association. We participate in events such as Night Markets and other cultural events organized by OISS and UCSB.

 

Picture 3: Sophomore Year at UCSB