Liz Cody
Cheers to Class of 2024!
This year’s graduation celebrates a class of international students unlike any other. In Fall 2020, we were deep in the pandemic. Consulates were closed, vaccines weren’t available, and many countries weren’t allowing international flights. Meanwhile, we still had an amazing albeit slightly smaller class of international students joining us at Carleton. Because of all of the issues mentioned above, International Student Orientation was a hybrid experience, with a little over 20 students able to arrive in person, another 10 students in limbo trying to get here as soon as they could, and about 20 more students planning to arrive later (or possibly do the full year remote- which many did). I can remember bringing welcome bags to students in quarantine, helping students deal with COVID diagnoses, and talking through a lot of uncertainty about everything throughout their first years (finally getting to see some students in person and many more on Zoom) and finding fun ways to do virtual programming.
I’m happy to say that despite all of the setbacks along the way, the Class of 2024 (and their peers who graduated early and/or took leaves), has shown their strength and resiliency along the way. They’ve been super involved in Carleton life– serving as peer leaders, working on Mortar Board, participating in cultural orgs, playing on sports team, participating in academic orgs and competitions, working in CSA, performing in dance/music/theater, sharing their culture with domestic students, getting politically engaged, and many more things. I know it hasn’t always been easy or clear, but you all have finally made it through and I’m super happy to celebrate all of your achievements! I hope that you’ll stay in touch with ISL staff and our current/future students.
Special shout out to those who worked with ISL along the way- Tyler, Roderick, Doug, and Moe!
Fatima Ramos
Going through a whole year with ISL, I had the privilege to help plan and experience two pivotal events, ISO and Amazing Race. Both of these events had an unbelievable energy from our IPLs and our participants. Two things I learned while planning these events that you can probably use as life lessons: 1. Always expect the unexpected: although you may have stuff planned out, sometimes life happens that will turn your plans around (for instance, Liz being out with Covid during Amazing Race) During this time, its best to take a couple of deep breaths and go with the flow. 2. Always ask for help! Even if you think you have everything figured out, know when you need help and ask for it. We could not have done ISO and Amazing Race without the help of our amazing peer leaders and office assistants.
Speaking of our IPLs, I am very excited to welcome a total of 14 new IPLs for 2024-2025. Many are ISL students themselves and bring a unique and welcoming presence that I am sure our incoming ISL students will experience.
Wishing you all some much needed rest and congratulations to our Class of 2024 seniors!