Mawr Insight: An International Student's Journey to Bryn Mawr

Originally from Luque, Paraguay, Sofía Díaz ‘26 is a Sociology and Political Science double major with a minor in Italian Studies. On campus she works in the Admissions Office and Erdman Dining Hall. She is also a board member for Mawrters for Immigrant Justice, as well as a member of Mujeres*, an affinity club for Latinx students. Here, she tells us about her adjustment to Bryn Mawr as an international student. 

When I was considering colleges in the United States all the way from Paraguay, Bryn Mawr caught my attention because of the way the community was highlighted by almost every student I talked to. I started to imagine ways in which I could see myself immersed in that community and wondered what value I would add when on campus. Two years have passed since I decided to be a part of the Bryn Mawr community, and I am now involved in groups like Mujeres* for Latinx students on campus, Mawters for Immigrant Justice supporting Undocu+ students, the Breaking Barriers program for First Generation and/or Low-Income (FGLI) students, and other spaces that contribute to building community on campus. Bryn Mawr has supported my transition to college life as an international student by giving me the space to immerse myself in the community through traditions, clubs, activities, and leadership positions that the College offers. Living away from home and knowing that my identity, voice, and background are cherished is a key aspect of building a new home for myself here, and Bryn Mawr has allowed me to find not just one meaning of community but many different ones. 

"Living away from home and knowing that my identity, voice, and background are cherished is a key aspect of building a new home for myself here..."

Ask students, “What is community at Bryn Mawr?”; you will get a different answer every time, and I think that is precisely the beauty of community here. For me, community during my first semester of college meant “Erdman Dining Hall,” because that was where I had my first job on campus and the place where I started to make friends. During my second semester, community meant “traditions” because I had found an amazing support network of upperclassmen while taking part in the many Bryn Mawr traditions. Community during my third semester meant “clubs” because of all the support, love, and understanding that I’ve found in all the clubs that I am a part of. Now, reflecting on my fourth semester of college and the end of my sophomore year, I’ve found community everywhere at Bryn Mawr. From saying hi to my friends at the dining hall, to helping organize events and supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds on campus, Bryn Mawr has provided me with a support network that allows me to thrive not only academically but personally. Thanks to the activism that is so characteristic of community here, I decided to double major in Political Science and Sociology to continue contributing to my community academically and professionally. I found myself, once again, building community with other students who share my passion. 

My biggest advice to prospective international students would be to be patient with themselves while transitioning to college, and to not be afraid to take up space in this community. Do not be afraid to get involved in activities you are interested in, as it can be a way to find your people on campus! Sign up for that trip or club, register for that class that sounded cool, or check out that dance class that caught your attention and make the best out of every opportunity the Bryn Mawr community offers. After all, this place is built from the contributions of every member and we cannot wait to see all the value that you will add to our community.