International students bid farewell to Mountaineer lifestyle as they graduate – The Appalachian

Graduating international students at Appalachian State University bid farewell to the Mountaineer lifestyle as they prepare to embark on new journeys after completing their studies. In the 2023-24 academic year, App State had 110 international students studying at the university, according to the international student and scholar services and outreach.

One such student is Silva Keohulian, a 24-year-old Fulbright Scholar from Lebanon, who packed her bags and left her home to pursue a master’s degree in mathematics at App State. Keohulian’s journey to Boone, North Carolina, began on August 22, 2022, when she arrived in a place she had never heard of before. Now, as she prepares to graduate in May, Keohulian reflects on her time at the university and the experiences that have shaped her.

Keohulian’s story is just one of many as international students from diverse backgrounds come together at App State to pursue their academic goals. These students bring a unique perspective to the campus community, enriching the cultural fabric of the university and fostering global connections.

As they prepare to say goodbye to the Mountaineer lifestyle, graduating international students are filled with a mix of emotions – excitement for the future, nostalgia for the memories made, and gratitude for the opportunities they have had. For many, App State has become a second home, a place where they have grown personally and academically, forged lifelong friendships, and overcome challenges.

The international student community at App State is a close-knit one, with students supporting each other through the ups and downs of academic life. From navigating a new educational system to adjusting to a different culture, these students have shown resilience and determination in pursuing their dreams.

Despite the challenges they have faced, graduating international students are proud of their accomplishments and grateful for the support they have received from faculty, staff, and fellow students. They leave behind a legacy of excellence and a lasting impact on the App State community.

As they prepare to walk across the stage and receive their diplomas, graduating international students look forward to the next chapter in their lives. Some plan to pursue further studies, while others are eager to enter the workforce and make a difference in their respective fields.

The farewell to the Mountaineer lifestyle is bittersweet, as these students bid adieu to a place that has become a significant part of their lives. However, they carry with them the memories, lessons, and friendships forged during their time at App State, knowing that they are well-equipped to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

As the graduating international students embark on new adventures, they take with them the spirit of the Mountaineer community and the values instilled in them during their time at App State. They are ready to make their mark on the world and continue to uphold the university’s legacy of excellence and diversity.