Since August, I’ve had the pleasure of being roommates with Kady Lopez, a fellow first-year on campus. She is from Brooklyn, NY, and her experiences since coming here have differed greatly from her life at home. I had the opportunity to sit down with her and talk a little more about how being here has affected her life.
What is the biggest change you’ve encountered since being here?
Less stores, a lot less options for food, and a lot of hills. The environment is very different. There’s less diversity here as well.
Do you feel happy here?
It has its pros and cons, the pros being that it’s a lot safer here. There’s more freedom for me personally; I’m able to go outside more often because it’s safer here. I can do as I please a lot more. For cons, things aren’t as close here. There isn’t a wide array of stores or fast food. I’m also not used to the weather— it gets pretty cold. The food here is different from what I’m used to.
How big of an adjustment did you need to make?
Not a huge adjustment, but it’s still pretty big. Learning to be completely independent is a new experience; it’s not all bad but it’s difficult. Getting used to the food here was difficult as well; it ties back into what I was saying about the environment and the weather, it takes up a big part of the adjustment.
What do you miss about home?
My family, the culture. I miss the food, really miss the food. (Laughs) I don’t get to see my family as much anymore, and that’s been difficult. I can’t see them very easily.
What’s your favorite thing here?
I think I have two favorite things: I like the freedom. And the people I get to meet here. People around here are pretty kind; I don’t have to worry about my safety here. Back home, it can be dangerous to walk around, and here I can do that.
On vacations, what’s the first thing you do when you get home?
Visit my family, first of all. Then food. Always food! (Laughing) Eating the food I miss, like moros, mangú, lots of Dominican food.
Do you think that being here has changed you as a person?
Yeah, it’s changed me in ways like how I speak, I feel like I have to speak more formally here—it’s not how I’m used to speaking. I feel like it’s changed my personality too, I’m not as social as I used to be. Sometimes I feel like I can’t connect with people here.
Where do you like the most on campus?
My room. It’s my safe space, and I’ve always felt a little better inside. I feel like being inside a lot back home has carried over here; I’m more of a homebody.
What are you looking forward to most next year?
I’m excited to move into a new dorm! I’m excited to see what it’s like living with more people. And more events! I’m excited for more events.