Every year, WashU sends hundreds of students to study abroad on programs around the world, but few come from universities to study abroad here. One such student is Antonio Martínez, a junior studying economics from Madrid, Spain. Martínez goes to the University of Carlos III de Madrid, and is one of two students from his university at WashU this year.

While many WashU students eagerly await their study abroad or recount stories of their international experiences, it doesn’t occur to many that our own campus serves as a study abroad destination for many global students. 

Drifting between oyster traps, feeling the sun rise and fall overhead, gazing out at the windsurfers and water-skiers, watching the red and green drifts of seaweed coast along the ocean’s surface — these are scenes of serenity and beauty that were somewhat lost in my distraction. They are also things I will probably never have the chance to experience again in the same way. 

In our first week of college, we all got that talk about imposter syndrome. Our seminar leaders gathered us up and said, “You belong here.” It was a nice sentiment, but a bit harder to believe as a student from a rural area.

Self-described by founder and sophomore Ben Kras as “WashU’s newest, best, most efficient dating platform,” WUCupid is an online dating program built exclusively for WashU students. WUCupid users have a month and six days to fill out a 38-question compatibility survey. After the survey period ends, there will be a three-day processing period where all responses are analyzed and matches are generated by a matchmaking algorithm Kras created.  

Ever walked through the Danforth University Center (DUC) or Olin and seen piles of beads, string, fabrics, pins, and other accessories laying out on a table with someone meticulously weaving apparel? Behind these temporary setups is fifth-year dual-degree student Maxine Roeder. From sustainable fashion to artistic design, Roeder uses her creative talent to support sustainability measures. 

After the mandatory questions are out of the way, many people like to spring the slightly deeper “Why did you choose WashU?” on you. For some, this question is an easy one. They applied to WashU via Early Decision or QuestBridge, or they just knew that WashU was the right place for them. For others, however, WashU was far from their top choice.

The announcement of this task force startled many students in these programs, as well as other members of the WashU community. As rumors spread about departmental reorganization and the University’s motive for the change, students nervously talked about whether their major would still exist, if their favorite professors would lose their jobs, and what classes will look like in the coming years.

“I think over-interpretation just sucks the life out of art sometimes.” 

But Schreiber seems to thrive in the uncertain and the uncomfortable. After all, he says, what else are we in college for?