Doris Xu, '29

she/her

A photograph of Doris Xu wearing a white T-shirt and smiling at the camera
Email
danlanx@middlebury.edu

Hometown: Guangzhou, China

High School: UWC Thailand

Affiliations (CBO’s, etc.):  UWC Davis Scholar

Major: Italian and Statistics

Main Extracurricular Activities: Evolution Dance Crew, Sailing Team, Student Investment Committee/Midd Women on Wall Street

Languages spoken: Mandarin, English, Cantonese

Why did you choose to attend Middlebury?

The main reason I chose Middlebury was that I am a huge language learner, and Middlebury truly is the place for language studies. I also knew very early on that I wanted to spend my four years of undergrad at a liberal arts college rather than a large university. I applied to several NESCAC schools, but I ultimately committed to Middlebury because of the people here. They are genuinely the warmest and most welcoming I’ve ever met. I love being outdoors and I love snowy winters, and Ben & Jerry’s is my favorite ice cream brand. Honestly, where else could be a better place for me?

What is your favorite food in the dining hall?

I have so many favorites that I genuinely can’t decide which one I like the most! I love the General Tso’s Chicken, Salmon and Ribeye Steaks, Ross’s Pizzas, and Proctor’s Poppyseed Lemon Muffins and Overnight Oats. People told me before I came that the food at Middlebury wasn’t good, but that’s absolutely not true. The food here is awesome!

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self during the college search/application process?

I think it is super important to trust the process because college applications are a two way selection that ultimately places you in the right school, the place you are meant to be. I also believe it is essential to understand what type of college, environment, and community you want for such an important stage of your educational journey.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to talk to more people at each school and learn from their perspectives. I would also remind myself to have fun and trust the process, go to the beach more often, and enjoy every sunset with coconuts.