“Whoa! You’re from the Caribbean? Why the Midwest? Why Morningside?” As an international student, those are the most common inquiries I receive from curious peers, professors, and essentially everyone I interact with.

by Jesseca Ormond

“Whoa! You’re from the Caribbean? Why the Midwest? Why Morningside?” As an international student, those are the most common inquiries I receive from curious peers, professors, and essentially everyone I interact with. 

I will definitely answer those questions, but let me add a bit of context first. Eight years ago, my main goal was attending college and obtaining my bachelors degree. I graduated from my Caribbean secondary school, then I decided to register in grades eleven and twelve at an online Canadian based institution while simultaneously working. 

I spent a few years working and relentlessly hunting for scholarships that would afford me a college education. In 2014, I enrolled in a college preparatory athletic based program. Practicing volleyball, studying for ACT’s and SAT’s and working consumed my life. Within this program, there was a scout located in the United States whose job was to search for student athletes. This is how I found Morningside College. 

Being approximately 2700 miles away, and over the ocean, I wasn’t able to visit Morningside’s campus. Instead, I relied on the Morningside website, social media, exceptionally friendly and helpful administration staff, and international advisors at Morningside to make my decision. I differed my acceptance, and after taking the TOEFL (taking English as a Foreign Language) test and other formalities, I began my Morningside College experience in the fall of 2015.

My first class was an informal course designed specifically for international students to help assimilate us into the local culture and college life. I thoroughly appreciated this class because it revealed the welcoming and caring attitude of the Morningside College family. 

Jumping ahead a few years, Morningside College, being a liberal arts institution, has given me the opportunity to double major and also have a minor. I am a Mass Communication: Corporate Communications and Photography double major with a minor in Advertising. 

I have a passion for photography and have been able to explore and experience the art and science associated with photography. Last summer I applied for a Summer Undergraduate Research Project through the college. This project allowed me to explore photography as not just an artistic medium, but also as a tool to conduct and present research. In addition, I could learn how both report on and influence social ideals. 

I have been fortunate enough travel to several cities for conferences and workshops throughout the United States, such as New York, Las Vegas and Seattle, with professors and fellow students. Being able to connect with and learn from individuals currently succeeding in your field of study is a reassuring and treasured experience. Morningside’s full support of experiential learning quells my fears of life after college. 

Opportunities like these, and many others, lead me to believe that I belong in the Midwest at Morningside College. Coming from the small, hospitable islands of the Caribbean, Sioux City reminds me of home. The people are exceptionally friendly and I’m not overwhelmed by the chaos of a larger city.

When I was a freshman, I received some advice from other Morningsiders: “Get involved,” and I did. I joined as many clubs as my interests spanned, and also dabbled in campus media. These clubs and organizations not only have allowed me to meet wonderful individuals, but they’ve also given me invaluable experiences, skills, and exposure. 

My greatest fear about college was not being successful. I measure my success not only by academic standards, but also how worthwhile I feel my experience at Morningside College has been. Frankly, I believe I am being successful here. My advisors, school counselor, professors, and many other individuals have fully supported me and went above and beyond to ensure that I receive not only what’s necessary, but also what I want from the Morningside experience.