And it eased my transition coming from a city into a rural area. The individuals I met created a community that I could fall back on in times of both academic and personal difficulties. Basically, an environment that's alien turns into a familiar place, almost as good as home. As you gain experience you become more independent and comfortable with the area. Whether it's a personal or academic problem, it's that feeling that there is somebody to help you to go out and become independent.
OUS students create their own discipline.
I remember everyone saying, 'Let's stop procrastinating, it's time to do the academics,' so we created our own checks. Being an upperclassman, a lot of people ask me for notes or borrow my books. You really do create a sense of community. Beyond any sort of price that you have to pay financially or even emotionally, the experiences here will enrich you. It's through the support system that we are reassured that we do belong here and that we can become successful.