New Beginnings, New Friendships: A First-Year’s Whitman Story
By Pendhay Yeshay ’28
When you think of belonging somewhere, it is commonly emphasized that you are part of one big thing. But at Whitman, I’ve found myself being part of so many different projects and groups that I’ve ended up belonging in places I’d never expected.
Entering my first year of college was definitely a lot more stressful than I anticipated. As an international student from Bhutan, travelling across continents to get here only seemed to make everything feel more daunting than it actually was. Sitting on that 15-hour plane flight, I was scared. Honestly, I was terrified that I wouldn’t find my people, that I wouldn’t fit in and that the next four years of my life would be lonely. After all, I was entering this phase of my life all alone and had just left so many things and people behind.
But I’m grateful that I soon realized that starting this new journey would bring me so many experiences and people that I can’t imagine my life without now. After landing in Walla Walla and arriving on Whitman’s campus, I immediately found belonging among other international students who had also left so much of their old life to be here.
After our International student orientation, I already felt like I had found people who understood me. From there, I was able to continue meeting new friends including students from all over the United States. When classes started, I connected with many professors and classmates, many of whom I met in my first semester at Whitman and still keep in touch with. I began to realize that belonging is everywhere when you seek it out.
In my second semester at Whitman, I found myself trying new things. I found myself choosing to run for treasurer for the Pickleball Club—a sport I started after my friend convinced me to go to a meeting with her on a whim. I found myself choosing to attend tea times and help decorate the residence halls with the most amazing sectionmates. I find myself learning so much more in class with brilliant classmates. Even now, I find something new to try every day and I find myself belonging in all of these places that I never imagined.
Pendhay Yeshay ’28 (first from right in all three photos) found more than just a college at Whitman—he found friendships that made Walla Walla feel like home. Connecting with classmates make his transition from Bhutan to Whitman a lot less daunting—and a lot more fun.
I’m grateful for all the opportunities I found at Whitman. If you’re worried about finding your place, know this: Whitman College is full of unexpected communities where you are welcome to join in and feel that sense of belonging.
Pendhay Yeshay ’28 (he/him) is an international student from Bhutan interested in studying Economics and Environmental Studies!