Moving to a completely different country is not hard. It is extremely difficult. I relate to Maggie significantly as an international student, and I can understand how hard and demanding it is. As an international student, it is a very tiring emotional roller-coaster, where we have no choice but to keep pushing through. Have there been times that I have just wanted to give up and go home? Yes, but ultimately, I would feel like a complete failure if I did. I seek to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, pursue a master’s, and secure a job in the USA and I would do anything to make that dream a reality. I have been challenged mentally and physically by learning how to cope with being away from home, family, and friends and how it can make you feel lonely and isolated. To being physically tired from being on the varsity basketball team, pushing myself to my limits every day because failure is not an option. It makes me quite emotional writing this as I have a lot of passion for what I do and why I am doing it. I would say I would be quite like Maggie regarding juggling physical challenges and the heartfelt desire to learn and do well in education. Because of this, I believe I also share similar attributes and characteristics to Maggie, allowing me to keep pushing through these challenges and continue pursuing my dream. In the description, you mention that Maggie was ‘devoted to education and knowledge and was determined to become an expert on whatever she set her mind to.’ I, too, am very devoted, and the words I would describe myself would be determined and strong-minded. I know what I want and have an aching desire to succeed in anything I do. Giving up is not an option. I came from London, UK, to the USA at 19, which was a big eye-opener. Everything was different from the culture, people, food, language, and ethnicity. There are many aspects presented to you as an international student and at such a young age that you have to deal with, embrace and adapt. It is a challenge we accept without fully knowing what is behind those doors or what to expect, but I guess that is what makes it exciting! I believe this takes courage and bravery to start, let alone to get through, and I think Maggie had precisely that. You must adapt if you are to thrive in your environment. Overall, I aspire to allow this journey to shape me into the best possible version of myself, as discomfort is a catalyst for growth after all. I would also like to express my sincere condolences to you regarding Maggie; I cannot begin to imagine what a battle with stomach cancer over three years would be like. Deepest sympathy. Yasemin F. Charles