Student Spotlight: November 20, Week 14
International Student Profile: Meet Xuezhu Wang
Xuezhu Wang is a sophomore international student from Shenyang, China. Xuezhu decided to major in nursing with a minor in psychology in order to fulfill her passion for doing good in the world. She says, “I really like to take care of other people. You can do that as a doctor, but then you miss out on the human interaction that makes [healthcare] so special.” After graduation, Xuezhu wants to get hands on experience working as a nurse before going back to grad school to become a nurse practitioner.
She chose to study abroad primarily because she wanted to learn English as a second language. She explains, “As I study abroad, I will learn everything in English, and this will let me communicate with patients better—no matter what country I’m in.” She also hopes that this global experience will open her eyes to new perspectives and make working internationally easier in the future.
Xuezhu wanted to come to Kent State because of its emphasis on academic success and its engaging environment. She was drawn here by the university’s great nursing program and safe, quiet atmosphere that lets students focus on studying.” “I like everything about the school environment here,” she says. “I used to go to a community college in Seattle, and people didn’t do much besides just go to class. At Kent, you have so many options for clubs and there is always other stuff to do.” Additionally, Xuezhu says that Kent’s numerous scholarship opportunities for international students have eased the financial burden of studying abroad.
On campus, Xuezhu works at the Rec Center and is involved with the Chinese Student Association (CSA). She loves the sense of community that CSA fosters, but she also loves that it provides her with the chance to guide international students that are new to the United States. She says, “I try my best to answer all the questions that new arrivals have and help them adjust to life in America. I really like to talk to other people and share my experience with them!” In her limited free time, Xuezhu likes to hang out with her friends and play video games.
Xuezhu’s advice for international students is to find a support network that helps you feel more at home. “You will probably feel lonely at first,” she says, “so be prepared to meet new people. If you put yourself out there, you can make new friends and get involved with student organizations.” She also highlights the need to always take care of yourself—especially when in a foreign place. She says, “If you are struggling, don't be afraid to ask for help; Kent provides students with lots of resources for mental health. It’s important to stay healthy, both physically and mentally.”
Written by Jacob Kulas, Office of Global Education Fall 2019 Intern