Croatian Girl in Rochester
4,400 miles away
I can remember the exact moment I was sitting in my room late at night after months, or even years, of working toward the dream that seemed so unreachable. The 4,400 miles from my home country, Croatia, to the University of Rochester all the way in New York, was just one of the many things that made my dream feel so far away. Another thing was the financial aid I needed—it was the only way I could afford to come here. These big numbers can easily scare someone so young from a country so small.
A passion for biology
The main reason I wanted to come to the University of Rochester is my love for biology. I’ve been lucky enough to discover my biggest passion so early in life. When I was really young, I wanted to be a lawyer, an architect, an interior designer, or even an astronaut. However, ever since I took my first biology class, I knew that biology was what I wanted to explore for the rest of my life. With every new class, research opportunity, or summer science school, my passion for biology grew stronger.
Eventually, it became so strong that I knew I wanted to build my future at a place that radiates that same love for science, no matter where that place was situated. The University of Rochester with its absolutely amazing Medical Center and Wilmot Cancer Institute is just a perfect place for a biology junkie like me. Of course, there were numerous motives for attending the University of Rochester.
Ena then, Ena now
On nights when I was working hard on my application, I imagined how great it would be if Ena from the future could talk to me and tell me where I would end up. If only I could show Ena from a year ago at least some of the experiences I’ve had in the past two months. Just recently I was sitting outside on a bench on a lovely, sunny day during Meliora Weekend. On my right was the Engineering and Science Quad where I take most of my classes, study toward my intended major of molecular genetics, and work in the biology department’s laboratory.
On my left was the beautiful Rush Rhees Library, which inspires me always. I love to study in its halls surrounded by the infatuating smell of old books, beautiful Greek statues and antique wooden tables. Whenever I feel tired, I just stare at the ceiling’s beautiful designs. To be able to see the gorgeous Wilson Commons building designed by I. M. Pei and to have mesmerizing Highland Park designed by the father of American landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted, just across our dear Genesee River is a beautiful gift.
All my favorite things in one place
Yesterday I was horseback riding after almost a year without this favorite activity of mine. Without horses in my life, I constantly felt that a part of me was missing, and this beautiful University made all my biggest passions possible: studying biology, working in the lab, and horseback riding—all possible at the same time and place.
I came to Rochester with all these big passions, hoping to make them flourish. However, in these short two months, Rochester did not just meet my preexisting expectations, but has exceeded them in so many new ways.
The thing I love about the University is its diversity. I get to learn so much about so many different countries, their cultures, and the art and history just by talking with people. I learned that just wanting to learn more about art, or to continue playing clarinet, or to just be able to take inspiring photos of your future travels, are reasons enough to take the classes you never considered taking before. I learned that, as a scientist, taking classes in the social sciences and humanities is not just possible, or even encouraged, but necessary. For the first time in my life I was pushed to widen my passions, not to shrink them down in order to fit in only one box. Rochester encourages you to at least glance at other fields, or maybe stay for a longer visit.