Mengdie Hu '12

"I still clearly remember the time when I first arrived at New England College after a twenty-hour fight from China. Snowflakes were dancing in the air like many fairies. The whole campus looked like a white paradise. When I went into the Simon Center, Jason Buck, the associate dean of students, was already there waiting for me with a very warm greeting: “Welcome to NEC!” At that time, I felt his words melt the cold outside. This is the first impression that NEC left on me: a beautiful campus with friendly people.

So far, I have stayed at NEC for one and a half years. I really enjoy my life here. NEC has fantastic faculty with a great academic background. My professors always give their contact information such as email address, cell phone number, and even home phone number, to students. They always welcome students to ask questions and they want their students to succeed. Take myself as an example. In my first microeconomics class, I said to my professor that I couldn’t understand his point. After class, he explained it to me again and again, and also gave me many examples until I fully understood his word. He was very patient and conscientious, like my other professors. In addition, NEC provides a wide range of clubs for students to participate in, which enrich their college lives. I belonged to a club called ‘WNEC’, which is our school radio station. On my show I talked about international music. Also, we have ‘international night’ each year, which is one of the biggest events at NEC. Last year, I wore my traditional clothes and gave a performance to students, faculty and staff.

NEC is a big family, in which everyone helps and supports each other. As an international student, I feel there are no differences between American students and myself. On the contrary, I have made a lot of American friends. This semester, I became an RA, which has taken my life on a new journey. I know I am going to face more challenges and difficulties, but I am not afraid because there are always people who will help me. To me, NEC is a rich field, and I am a flower growing strong and sturdy in this garden."

- Mengdie Hu