“I came to UNO as an international student from Guatemala. I had never been to New Orleans before, and I remember feeling incredibly anxious about starting a new life in the US, leaving my family and lifelong friends behind.
That anxiety quickly turned into excitement the moment my mom and I stepped onto campus for a tour. It was sunny, green, calm, and somehow much smaller and more welcoming than I had imagined. The very next day, at international orientation, I met the person who is still my best friend today.
People often called UNO a commuter school, but as someone who lived on campus, I felt a deep sense of community there. Being in classes with students from such a wide range of backgrounds, including commuters, working adults, international students, part-time students, and people from all walks of life, gave me a new perspective and showed me UNO’s special place in New Orleans: a school for everyone.
UNO brought so many meaningful things into my life: lifelong friendships, a summer semester in Innsbruck, professional opportunities, and eventually, my soon-to-be wife.
I will always be #UNOProud, and my heart will always be silver and blue.”
