UC The World

Transcript

ow that we’ve met a couple students from right around the corner, it’s time to meet Jasmine, who comes from another corner of the world. A student in UC’s renowned college of design, architecture, art and planning, also known as DAAP. Jasmine has already found a warm welcome, and a super cool beginning. Jasmine, please take it away.

– Hello, I’m from Beirut, Lebanon, a small country off the coast of the Mediterranean. And I’ve been in Cincinnati for a year and a half now. The University of Cincinnati found me when I truly needed it. My home country was met with political and economic unrest that left my educational future and potential in a state of uncertainty. As a graphic design major, at the time, I was trying my best to find as many opportunities as I could. And that’s exactly how the University of Cincinnati and I crossed paths. At such a volatile time in my life, UC’s international office was a great support, they really paved the way for the application process and made it so much less stressful. I went from living with my parents, to living in a completely different country, all alone. And I’ve learned to harness that difference in identity and culture. It can help you develop a deeper appreciation for your connection to your home country, and the things that you love. You start to find what you love then in there, pop up where you are here and now. When I first arrived in spring 2020, I took as much time as I could to get acquainted with the city. And I did that by joining the Arabic student association here at UC, and other international student groups, where we all just bonded and supported each other. I started as an exploratory study student, where I was able to take many courses that helped me understand what I wanted to do after graduation in a better and more well-rounded sense. I officially start industrial design in fall 2021, and I’m so excited to see where UC and DAAP, and my creativity will take me. The opportunities are honestly never ending, and they keep growing. I hope to start a Lebanese student association by fall 2021, to help raise funds for struggling families in Lebanon, and UC truly gives me the opportunity to do that, and even more by letting students take initiative, and build communities that help foster a positive environment that encourages growth and self-development. Although I’ve done my best to capture UC in this little segment, I certainly can’t do it justice, so you’ll have to pop by and see it for yourself. It’s honestly so full of surprises. So what’s next, Alex?

– Jasmine, that was great. With more than 3,000 international students, UC ranks among the top public universities in the United States, for making students from all over the world feel right at home. And Jasmine we’re so glad you are here. Thank you.