Louisa Onyewadume ’09

Gaborone, Botswana

I am from Nigeria but have lived for the past seven years in Botswana. I wanted to leave home for college and applied to schools in the United States. The deciding factor in choosing Smith was its academic reputation.

The orientation for international students was wonderful. Instead of having to jump in, it allows you to ease your way in nicely. I can’t wait to be on the committee to welcome students here next year.

I plan to attend medical school and then specialize in neurosurgery. Still, I don’t think I’m ready to focus on neuroscience now so I am taking a range of classes, from biology and chemistry to French and Kung-Fu. My mom believes in being rounded and so do I. I really want a broad education.

My life back home was very sheltered. Here, I’ve had the chance to explore things but not to the extreme. Smith is letting me get to know the world in little bits and pieces. I love it.