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Journey to the West
What 4 years studying abroad has really taught me
“How would this pivotal adventure shape my future?” That’s what echoed in my mind when the plane took off from Taiwan, marking the beginning of my journey in the United States. Little did I know that the next four years would teach me lessons far beyond the classroom walls. Here are the most valuable insights I gained as an international student pursuing computer science at the University of Arizona.
Lesson 1: Take Initiative
When I first arrived at age 20, the weight of cultural adaptation and academic challenges felt overwhelming. However, I quickly learned the fundamental truth:
Taking action over what you can control is the best way to overcome stress.
Initially, my lack of confidence in English made me hesitant to speak up in class. Rather than letting this barrier hold me back, I chose to take initiative — I became a math tutor in sophomore year. It wasn’t an easy decision for me, but there was a voice in my mind. I could vividly see myself being fluent and confident in English. The vision was so clear that it even outshone my fear. I help over 1,000 students in calculus and linear algebra. After a year-long tutoring experience, I earned a certification from the College Reading and Learning Association…
