OA SPRING-SUMMER 2025 MAGAZINE - with links

THE WOODS TODAY

The Woods — so much more than its buildings. It’s the people. The bond between alumni, faculty, staff and students.

“As an international student, it was quite daunting at first being so far from home and transitioning from a massive city like London to a small community that we have here at The Woods. However, the moment I stepped foot on campus, I was welcomed with open arms, and thanks to this, the transition could not have been smoother.”

I first learned about The Woods when Coach Ron Kiernicki, head men’s and women’s soccer coach at SMWC, recruited me and introduced me to the College. As an international student, many factors went into my decision of where to attend college. Thankfully, the SMWC website provided a lot of insight and pictures of the beautiful campus and the community, so I knew what to expect when I arrived at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. It automatically drew me in and ticked all the boxes. As an international student, it was quite daunting at first, being so far from home and transitioning from a massive city like London to the small community that we have here at The Woods. However, the moment I stepped on campus, I was welcomed with open arms, and thanks to this, the transition could not have been smoother. From my teammates on the soccer team to the wonderful faculty, I felt at home very quickly. The faculty, especially in the kinesiology program, has helped me greatly with my education and organization, especially since the education system is vastly different from England’s. So far, life in The Woods has been fantastic! As a sophomore, I have been here for almost two years now, and it feels like I have truly found a home, despite being far from home. I have thoroughly enjoyed life as a student-athlete, from traveling to different states on away days to expanding my knowledge in my majors and pursuing the education I desire. Double majoring in psychology and kinesiology seemed like a daunting experience, but thanks to the support of my academic advisor and mentor, along with the brilliant faculty and staff, it has been extremely interesting, and I look forward to continuing in these two fields. The classes within these majors have been perfect so far in helping me set the

It’s community. It’s commitment. It’s connection.

With every tassel turned, the legacy continues.

Help ensure that others will have the opportunity to experience the bond of The Woods.

right path to pursue the career I want to take in the future. The Woods has brought me many memorable moments as a student-athlete, many of which stem from my time on the soccer team. The most important personally is finishing at the top of the assist leaderboard in our conference. Another memory outside of sports was sharing my culture during International Education Week, which was a very enjoyable day. Not only did it feel good to share information about my home, but it also made me feel like I was contributing to the school and part of our wonderful community. Attending SMWC was the best decision I’ve made in my life. It has been everything I hoped for and more, from the athletics to the education to the warmth and closeness of this

Give today. giving.smwc.edu

College’s community. Marc —Marc Valderrama Psychology and Kinesiology Double Major London, England

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