Rachael Adu

Name: Rachael Adu 
Hometown: Nigeria & Philadelphia               
Year:  2010
Area of Study: Globalization Studies and Anthropology

Interests:  I am currently one of the two presidents of Gettysburg College's China Club.  I am also on the leadership team of DiscipleMakers Christian Fellowship (DCF).  In addition to these activities, I love, love, LOVE learning about different cultures and language.  This is one of the reasons that I choose to major in Globalization Studies with a focus on East Asia, and a minor in Anthropology.  I think something about moving to the US from Nigeria at the age of 12 triggered the part of brain that is intrigued by cultures, and I'm not complaining at all because culture is a wonderful thing!  I am currently learning Mandarin (Chinese) and am planning to study abroad in China in the fall of 2009.  After Chinese, I will concentrate on French, then Japanese (or Korean), Italian, Arabic, and then another Nigerian language other my native language. 

What drew you to Gettysburg College? I was actually debating between another college and Gettysburg College, leaning more towards the other college.  But after being on the campus for the about 3 hours, I remember just thinking to myself, "I'm coming here, no doubt."  The people here were so nice and hospitable and there was something about the campus that gave me a feeling of peace.  I am not sure exactly how to describe it, but this is as best as I can. 

What do you appreciate about the IRC? One of the things that I love about the IRC is the support of the staff.  My weekly meeting with Dean Curry was one of the best things that I did during my first year.  I remember there were days when I was feeling so homesick and was just feeling terrible.  I would come in to Dean's office (sometimes minutes or even hours late) feeling this way, but when I left, I always felt better.  Just the feeling of knowing that there are people on campus that care so much about my well being and success is a really great feeling.