From Nepal to New York: How Skidmore became my second home
When he decided to study in the United States, Ankit Gupta ’26, who is from Nepal, thought he had it all figured out. After all, he had already studied abroad in high school at UWC Dilijan, an international school in Armenia.
But the computer science and biology double major and Periclean Honors Forum minor quickly discovered that college life presented new challenges. He says he’s fortunate that he decided to study at Skidmore College, which not only boasts top-notch programs in the sciences, arts, business, and many other fields, but also provides a welcoming environment where all students — from near and far — can thrive.
Ankit, a Davis United World College Scholar, writes he has found a supportive Skidmore community greeting him everywhere he has gone — even in the most unexpected places.
Coming to college, I thought I had everything figured out. I had lived away from home before, so I assumed I was ready. But college life? Turns out, it’s a whole different game.
Suddenly, I was navigating things like managing my own time, balancing academic pressure, and figuring out how to make a new place feel like home. It was overwhelming in ways I didn’t expect.
Now, as a junior at Skidmore looking back, I see it’s the immense support I received from countless people on campus who made all the difference.
That support came from many places, but three come to mind right away: Student Academic Services (SAS), my International Friendship Family, and the team at the Murray-Aikins Dining Hall.
I still remember my first night on campus — Sten (Leinasaar ’23), my global mentor from International Student Orientation, greeted me at Joto (Jonsson Tower, a dormitory) after midnight. That late-night welcome set the tone for what was to come.
Soon after, I met Chloe Jaleel, Subhan Ali, and Jamin Totino, all staff members in SAS, who welcomed us at a special orientation for international students designed to help us settle into college life in the United States.
The team quickly became the backbone of my Skidmore experience. Chloe and I would lose track of time talking about world issues or just sharing stories about our families. These dedicated Skidmore community members became my anchors.
Student Academic Services staff, including International Student and Scholar Advisor Subhan Ali (left), have helped me and other international students feel welcome on campus.
Then came my first job at the dining hall. I was nervous, expecting an intimidating environment, but I ended up meeting Ben (Niese), a chef who became one of my closest connections on campus. We bonded over art, food, pumpkin carving — you name it.
And it wasn’t just Ben. Every day, I still have small, meaningful interactions with the dining hall staff who make me feel like I belong: a handshake from Jesse (Staiger), a quick check-in from Bella (Schober), chats about cricket with Chef Michael (Hinrichs), and daps with Noah (Ritchie).
Finally, my host family from the International Friendship Family Program has been nothing short of a lifeline through the busiest and most challenging semesters.
I will never forget when my host mom drove all the way to Boston just to pick me up. It's the kind of gesture that makes you realize you're not just another student, but part of a family – and that Skidmore truly has become a home away from home. From cheering on her son at football games to late-night guitar chats with my host dad, they embraced me as one of their own.
The support I’ve received at Skidmore goes beyond what I ever expected.
Professors are not just here to teach but to understand, always accommodating the diverse experiences we bring.
Professor David Domozych, my advisor for biology, has been critical to my journey here, recommending me for and supervising my Summer Experience Fund (2023) and SEE-Beyond (2024) awards to conduct scientific research in Nepal over the summer. Senior Lecturer David Read, my computer science advisor, has been equally supportive.
Clubs such as Hayat, Skidmore Codes, Asian Cultural Association, African Heritage Awareness, and International Student Union make me feel like I’m part of something much bigger — a global family.
ResLife (The Office of Residential Life), with its multicultural floors and focus on inclusivity, has also helped me feel grounded.
Everywhere I turn, there’s a network of support ready to lift me up.
I’m now doing my best to pay that kindness forward: As a resident assistant my sophomore year and community assistant my junior year for Reslife, I’ve worked to welcome students to campus and help them make this campus their home, too. I've also worked as a teaching assistant in computer science, as a peer mentor for a biology class, and in the Schupf Family IdeaLab, in addition to supporting faculty research.
Looking back, my journey at Skidmore has been smoother than I ever imagined.
This place doesn’t just welcome international students — it ensures we thrive.
I’m grateful for how Skidmore makes us feel truly at home, and I look forward to seeing even more opportunities for Skidmore and its international community to grow together.