Demar

Why did you choose St. Thomas?

I chose St. Thomas because I got a chance to get away from home, the privilege to attend a private, Catholic institution, the opportunity to live in a unique area (meaning the Twin Cities), and the flexibility to choose my future career plan and coursework.  I applied to twelve different universities and of those twelve, St. Thomas was the best about allowing their students to pick what they want to learn.  Also, a major factor that played into my decision was having the opportunity to study abroad for a semester and travel across the world.  When I found out that St. Thomas had a number of majors and programs that would allow me to do this, I knew I had found the right place for me.

What do you like best about St. Thomas?

St. Thomas provides students with phenomenal opportunities to get involved with different clubs, organizations, and programs that make student life a fun experience.  Another thing that I love about St. Thomas is that the staff and professors are very personable and they are genuinely concerned with helping us learn from their experiences and change the world.  The small class size at St. Thomas also allows us to get to know our classmates and professors on a personal level, which only enhances the educational experience.   

What do you like about being a student in the Twin Cities area?

I like having the ability to immerse myself in the culture of the Twin Cities.  Minneapolis has a buzzing, vibrant atmosphere that reminds me a lot of being in downtown Denver (my hometown).  St. Paul is more residential and it provides a nice, comfortable living environment that makes it easy to focus on getting work done while also having an enjoyable experience.  

What campus activities are you involved in?

International Student Ambassador Program, McNair Scholars Program, National Residence Hall Honorary, and Globally-Minded Student Association (GMSA).

What advice would you give to prospective international students?

Be willing to meet new people and try new things.  Even though being at St. Thomas is a bit of a culture shock for some students, there is an abundance of resources that are available specifically for international students and there are many people who are willing to take the time to help you adjust to life on campus if you simply ask them.  Additionally, you should take advantage of every opportunity that you can both inside and outside of the classroom.  The learning that takes place inside the classroom is only a small part of the complete St. Thomas education, so by challenging yourself and pursuing different avenues, you may obtain the knowledge and solutions to problems that will one day change the world.