I was born and raised in Senegal, but finished my high school education in Wales. After two years of homesickness, I was unsure about heading off to Middlebury College. But the smoothness of my transition was unprecedented.

With concentrations in both economics and political science, I also found time to get involved in extra-curricular activities such as playing on the soccer team and working as a headwaiter at the "language tables" in the dining hall, where students speak the languages they're studying while eating with their classmates and professors. Late in my first year, I was elected president of the International Students' Organization (ISO), one of Middlebury's largest clubs.

The ISO organizes activities throughout the year—an annual culture and fashion show, an international symposium, political discussions, off-campus trips, parties, dinners and many other events—to broaden students' international perspectives and introduce foreign cultures. For me, a somewhat shy person, these events allowed me to interact closely with people and begin several lifetime friendships.

Among other things, leading a student organization has changed my plans for the future. The managerial and leadership skills I gained have cultivated an enormous interest in joining the Senegalese political scene as soon as the opportunity arises. At Middlebury, I learned that success often depends on the energy and long hours one puts into an activity, the decision one makes to stay in the fight. As never before, I believe I can make a difference in my country.