Year: Senior
Campus Involvement: LASA, Paranormal Research Group, Model Arab League, Take Back the Night
Major: Political Science
Birthplace: Belize
Favorite Place on Campus: The piano rooms in the student center
Her Campus: Why did you choose to attend John Carroll?:
Diomne: I graduated with my Associate’s degree in Literature & History from a Jesuit junior college in Belize. Every year, Jesuit universities across the U.S. partner with my junior college through our Jesuit scholarship program for students in Belize to pursue a Bachelor’s degree abroad. In order to receive the scholarship, you must enroll in a major that is not offered at tertiary institutions in Belize. I happened to be placed at John Carroll, and it turned out to be one of the best opportunities of my academic career.
Her Campus: How has your experience been as an international student?
Diomne: Coming from a fairly conservative Latin American/Caribbean country in the tropics, it felt like I was walking into another dimension when I first transferred as a junior in August 2013. People usually assume two things when they first meet me: the first is that I’m from South America, and the second is that I speak fluent Spanish. I’m actually from Central America and my Spanish is terrible. I do get a lot of compliments on my English, which is funny because it is my first language. It is an amazing opportunity to be able to experience another culture while retaining your own. Any chance to study abroad brings so many incredible learning experiences with it, and it is definitely worth it.
Her Campus: What was the biggest difference between Cleveland/John Carroll and Belize?:
Diomne: Definitely the weather! Belizeans are blessed with 80 degree weather year-round. I experienced winter for the first time in my life last year and I was certainly not prepared for it. Another huge difference is the food. Most of the food we eat in Belize is super spicy. I’m the weird international student who walks around campus with hot sauce in her purse – and yes, it is Belizean hot sauce!
Her Campus: What are your plans looking forward?:
Diomne: As a senior, every day is a step closer to entering the real world. My plan is to pursue a Master’s degree in International Policy Development with a key interest in the education system. It is my dream to work in Belize to alleviate what I view as a deteriorating education system. Belize is an incredibly young country with only 33 years of independence. With education as our foundation, we can continue to strengthen our nation.
Her Campus: Do you have any advice for any future international students?
Diomne: My best piece of advice is to step out of your comfort zone. It is extremely comforting to make friends with similar cultural backgrounds who remind you of home, and these people will be valuable during times of homesickness. However, to truly enjoy another country and its people, you need to make friends with the locals who can introduce you to the holes in the walls and explore all the city’s nooks and crannies.
Her Campus: What’s your favorite spot on campus?
Diomne: I spent the majority of my life being trained in classical music. When I need a breather, I usually spend some time in the piano rooms learning a new song or playing one of my favorites. I grew up using music as an outlet and those tiny rooms with untuned pianos bring me solace.
One thing I do want to add is that the two short years I spent at John Carroll have involved me meeting some of my closest friends and gaining some of my best experiences. Being an international student can bring its complications – lots of paperwork and some days of homesickness. In the long run, it is an invaluable opportunity to learn and grow and I would encourage every college student to take the risk and spend at least a semester abroad – you never know where life can take you!