Natoya German ’24

As an OUS scholar at Colgate, I have truly been able to feel a part of a community.

Natoya German ’24 Bronx, N.Y.

Describe your experience as a OUS scholar at Colgate.

As an OUS scholar at Colgate, I have truly been able to feel a part of a community. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been able to connect and feel closer to my peers. Individuals like John Palmer, Jessica Pearce, Frank Kuan, and Dean RaJhai Spencer have provided me with the support that I need as an undergraduate student. Additionally, I am able to build valuable relationships with faculty and staff through the events and programs held by OUS. Being a part of the OUS family comes with a sense of comfort and security, through knowing that I have people around me who may share the same identity, hobbies, and experiences or just us simply being connected to each other.

Have you had a pivotal moment as a student at Colgate?

During the fall semester of my first year, I found the course work to be a heavy load. I was new to school, trying to get involved in extracurriculars as much as possible, and making friends. Also, I didn’t know how to manage my time accordingly. Feeling the pressures of my personal, social, and academic lives, I was tempted to drop out of CHEM. However, with the help of my OUS family, I was able to overcome my doubts about the future by tackling each of my issues at a time.

What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment as a student at Colgate?

I think that my biggest accomplishment as an OUS scholar here at Colgate is my ability to manage my time. Thinking back to a year ago, the concept of time was an illusion to me. However, being at Colgate made clear to me the reality that time waits for no one. I adapted quickly to working around and within my schedule to ensure that I had the right balance of academic, social, and personal life. While I continue to improve my time management skills, I am very proud of where I am on my journey so far.

**What do you think of Colgate’s Third-Century Plan, DEI initiatives, and Colgate’s future from your student perspective?**

Personally, I believe Colgate’s Third Century Plan and its DEI initiatives are mission statements that foreshadow a prosperous future for Colgate. However, that’s just it: a mission statement. These goals have yet to be achieved in practice as much as they sound good in theory. Nevertheless, I say this not to refute the attempts and successes that have been made when it comes to these initiatives, but rather to speak to the fact that there is still a lot more work to be done.

What advice would you give to future Colgate students?

The undergrad experience is not monolithic. Students have their own individual creativity, characteristics, and goals. In saying that the Colgate experience is not based on the collective, I encourage you never to forget who YOU are. As you try to adapt to this new environment, keep an open mind when meeting others. The best advice I received upon arrival at Colgate was to just be yourself because only then will you attract true and genuine relationships. I just know that you are all amazing individuals, and that’s why you’re coming to ’Gate. I can’t wait to meet you all!

What are your plans after Colgate?

After Colgate, I plan to attend dental school and eventually obtain my own practice.