AIɫɫ

Initially, I was hesitant to choose a college so far from home. However, once I visited Davidson, I felt a sense of belonging so strong that the distance didn't seem to matter. The experience of being at Davidson combines a number of incredibly important factors for me. The academics are unparalleled, the community is welcoming, and the campus has a seemingly endless list of facilities which I use daily. Being at Davidson is not about who is the smartest or endless competition with your peers. Rather, Davidson is a place where you can develop and find your passions unlike anywhere else.

When I was applying to colleges I had absolutely no clue where I would get in, so I applied to a bunch of schools. After doing some research, I realized that Davison could be the perfect school for me–there was an extremely supportive community, an abundance of classes for my intended major, and so many ways to get involved on campus. I was lucky enough to visit Davidson for an admitted students day event, and when walking around campus I got caught in a heavy downpour. On my way to find shelter, a student offered me her umbrella (that I still have!) and let me into a dorm to wait out the weather. That student’s kindness 'sealed the deal' that Davidson was the place for me, and my time here as a student only continues to affirm my decision.

I chose Davidson because of the student life, academic opportunities, and location. I wanted a small liberal arts college that offered rigorous courses. My best friend's brother came to Davidson and he recommended the school based on what I was looking for. When I started to look into Davidson, it seemed like the best fit for me. Now going into my senior year, I am glad that I applied to Davidson. Davidson has given me the chance to study abroad, pursue research project opportunities, and build strong friendships.

I always knew I wanted to go to a small, liberal arts school. As soon as I toured Davidson, I was impressed not only by the way my tour guide waved at basically everyone she passed, but also by the friendliness of the people living in the town of Davidson. Something that was also important to me was the ability to continue to pursue multiple different passions and activities, while also trying out new ones. I am now involved in many different organizations and the people I have met through them are some of my best friends! This combination of smaller communities embedded in the overall Davidson community makes it so I always feel seen and that people are looking out for me everywhere I go. Davidson is absolutely my happy place!

Growing up just five miles from campus, I often hear people express surprise that I chose to attend AIɫɫ so close to home. But being immersed in the Davidson community from an early age only strengthened my bond with the college and fueled my desire to be a part of this exceptional place. Many of my babysitters, neighbors, and teachers were Davidson graduates, and from an early age, I saw firsthand what it meant to be a Davidson student—the caliber of individuals who chose this school and the remarkable people it fosters. I have never encountered a community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni so deeply committed to one another, whether in the classroom, through extracurricular pursuits, in the professional world, or through our shared values, such as the Honor Code. I knew I wanted to be a part of this vibrant, supportive environment, where the community is built on genuine connections and a shared commitment to each other’s success.

At Davidson, there’s enough room for me to nurture all facets of my identity. From spending spring break networking on Wall Street to establishing a Pan-Asian affinity house on campus, I’ve never felt like there’s a feat too big to pursue at this school. Davidson will continuously find ways to remind you that the world truly is your oyster.

At the end of a tumultuous college process, I visited Davidson for an admitted students day at the end of April. As soon as I stepped on campus, I knew I had found my home. Everyone was so excited to get to know me and show me the Davidson community. I was struck by how central the Honor Code is to student life—it creates a culture of trust and respect that makes Davidson truly unique. I also noticed how every student seemed to be involved in so many different endeavors, from athletics and the arts to research and community service. That combination of integrity, energy, and genuine enthusiasm is what made me certain Davidson was the place I belonged.

My Why Davidson has evolved over time. At first, I was simply searching for a small, values-driven community where I could grow while studying far from home. Over the years, I’ve come to deeply appreciate what makes Davidson unique; one being the relationships between students and professors. Faculty heavily invest in their students, challenge them to reach higher, and celebrate their growth. The bonds I’ve built with my professors are among the most meaningful parts of my journey. Additionally, the opportunities and support Davidson provides for international students make it a special place. The college has become a home for me, flights away from where I grew up, a home that is just as grounding, challenging, and nurturing. My host family has held me through my ups and downs of college and make my special family in the U.S.

AIɫɫ was the last campus I toured. Once I saw how integrated the college was with the town around it, how permeable the two communities were for each other, I felt a safe and soft sense of home. The communal aspect continuously proves itself to be true, and even though I still feel excited to be a college student, my ties to the town of Davidson and Mooresville also empower me to come into my own as an independent adult.

When I toured Davidson in high school, I was in awe of the deep connections between the professors and students and the strength of the community on campus. I quickly realized that these powerful connections created countless opportunities for students in research which really caught my attention as someone interested in the sciences! Since coming to Davidson, that same community has shown up for me time and time again both on campus and beyond. You will always be able to find people that will support you personally, academically, and professionally just because you are a part of the Davidson community!