When I first arrived at Washburn University from Nepal, I thought I was ready for anything. I had worked hard to get here and was excited to begin a new chapter of my life. But nothing could have prepared me for the quiet emptiness of my first semester.
As an international student, I was limited to working only 20 hours a week on campus, yet I didn’t take a job right away. Without a routine outside of classes, my days felt long and isolating. The loneliness of being far from home set in and soon anxiety followed.
Homesickness is a word people often toss around casually, but living through it is something else entirely. It’s waking up in a strange bed and longing for the familiar sounds of home. It’s scrolling through photos of family celebrations you can’t attend. It’s walking across campus surrounded by people yet feeling invisible. I tried to stay busy with coursework, but the absence of purpose outside the classroom impacted heavily.
Everything began to change during my second semester when I finally applied for an on-campus job. I started as a content creator for the Washburn Review, a flexible position that allowed me to balance work and classes while discovering a new creative outlet. What began as a way to fill empty hours quickly became a source of confidence and connection. Work gave me structure, helped me meet new people and reminded me that I wasn’t just a visitor here; I was part of a community.
Now, in my sophomore year, I’ve stepped into a more demanding role as the managing editor for news and opinion. This job takes far more commitment than my first and there are days when the workload feels tiring. But even in the exhaustion, I feel blessed. I’m not only sharpening my writing and leadership skills, but also shaping conversations on campus, something I never imagined during those lonely first months.
Looking back, I realize how much difference meaningful engagement can make for international students. While academics are important, connection is essential. My experience taught me that finding purpose, whether through work, clubs or other campus activities is key to overcoming the heavy silence of homesickness.
Today, I feel stronger and more confident than I did when I first arrived. Working on campus has not only eased my anxiety but also helped me grow as a person and a leader.
Edited by Anson Appelhanz and Bidhya Sapkota
