Nathalia Oliveria

What's your name?

Nathalia Ramos Bayma de Oliveira

Where are you from?

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

What are you studying?

I'm majoring in Business Management with a minor in International Relations.

Where are you living at McKendree?

McKendree West

What do you like to do?

I like to play tennis, work out, and hang out with my friends. I always have to do something. I always try to keep myself busy to not get homesick.

Why did you decide to study in the U.S.?

I knew it would be a wonderful opportunity. Being an only child, I felt that I needed to do things on my own. I knew the U.S. has a high educational quality, so decided to take this journey.

Why did you choose McKendree University?

Being an international student, I wanted to go to a small campus where I would have direct contact with the professor. Also, I knew McKendree was a major school in business and was close to a big city (St. Louis).

What do you think of McKendree University?

When I first stepped on campus, I felt in another world. Everything is so different than in Brazil. The culture, environment, climate, and people are completely different. At the beginning things were hard, especially because of the language barrier. But I believe humans have the ability to adapt and understand different cultures. Fortunately, I received the support necessary to adapt myself, improve my knowledge and improve my own personality.

What's one of the best things about McKendree University?

Being a small campus, I am able to have a direct contact with students and faculty members. I feel like I'm in a real family. The professors always help me whenever I need assistance and the international student staff has done a wonderful job with foreign students - giving all support necessary.

How do you plan to make your mark on the world?

I hope I will use all the tools I learned at McKendree to achieve a successful, professional career. I want to help people. I wish I would make a better world for future generations.