Personal Development
Towards the end of each interview, students were asked to reflect on their personal development and perceived success through their years of attending Emory University. Students most commonly felt that they had become more independent and that this was something of which they were proud. They stated that their transition was difficult because they were entering a new culture, new learning environment, and were extremely far away from home. One student reflected, explaining that she could see the changes she had made from her first to second year. Her first year, she explained, she was self-conscious of her English and was fearful about doing new things by herself. She said that school forced her to overcome these challenges and now she is very comfortable with talking in groups and being on her own. Another common response that students felt that school has allowed them to think more openly. One student said that she felt Emory allowed her to be more open to new ideas and to realize that she has more choices than she ever thought.