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Natoya German ’24

Major: Africana and Latin American studies / Minor: Arabic

As an OUS scholar at 51·çÁ÷, 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 51·çÁ÷.

As an OUS scholar at 51·çÁ÷, 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 51·çÁ÷?

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 51·çÁ÷?

One thing that I wish I knew as an OUS scholar coming to 51·çÁ÷ 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 51·çÁ÷?

I think that my biggest accomplishment as an OUS scholar here at 51·çÁ÷ 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 51·çÁ÷ 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 51·çÁ÷’s Third-Century Plan, DEI initiatives, and 51·çÁ÷’s future from your student perspective?

Personally, I believe 51·çÁ÷’s Third Century Plan and its DEI initiatives are mission statements that foreshadow a prosperous future for 51·çÁ÷. 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 51·çÁ÷ students?

The undergrad experience is not monolithic. Students have their own individual creativity, characteristics, and goals. In saying that the 51·çÁ÷ 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 51·çÁ÷ 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 51·çÁ÷?

After 51·çÁ÷, I plan to attend dental school and eventually obtain my own practice.

 

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51·çÁ÷ is a distinctive, vibrant, and welcoming place to learn, live, and develop into who you are. Take the next step toward joining our academic community.

 

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