Greetings! I'm Omeri, an international student from Rwanda openly weighing to choose between Computer Science, Mathematics, Political Science, or Data Science. From Rwanda, I only knew one friend we met on instagram from Davidson, and somehow, in six weeks, everything felt as I've been here for quite a while. You'll find me tucked away in a cozy study nook in Lily Gallery(our main library), by the window, lost in Calculus homework during mornings, Davis Cafe cracking jokes with friends over pasta for lunch, and practice room in Sloan music center in the evening over the piano. I like being involved and knowing what's going on around Campus, and you'll find in my DMs people asking me about a cool program to apply to, for some because I'm in the Student Government. I'll show you the best hangout places on Campus, the cheapest yet the best Indian restaurant on main street, the coolest weekend stops especially if you love soccer. Don't forget to ask me about my gym routine and the best equipped gym if you come.

Hometown

Kigali, Rwanda

Major(s)

Computer Science, Data Science, and Physics

Minor(s)

Political Science

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Student Government Association Human Resources​/​Institutional Review Board Davidson College Chorale Sailing Club Catholic Campus Ministry

Describe your college experience

As an international student, I came from Rwanda both excited for my Early Decision admission, and nervous about whether I could adapt to this new environment. Reaching here, however, I found exceptionally loving community where everyone, ranging from friends, upperclassmen, faculty, and the professors are so nice, and they want you to succeed. I came for the Outdoor Odyssey, which is a very adventurous week-long camping trip to the hills in North Carolina. I was with a group of nine people, 2 of whom were two sophomores trip leaders, and others freshmen. That's when I built my first friendships, and the two amazing trip leaders fulfilled my curiosity about different things I was wondering. That built so much confidence in me, and when we came from the trip when other students were coming in, I was already familiar with different things. I started engaging in different groups; I auditioned for the Chorale, which is the main musical ensemble here on campus, where I was nominated to join Chamber singers, which is a select group of singers from the Chorale who travel nationally and internationally for concerts! In week one, I did interview for my first campus job where I work with Center for Teaching and Learning here on campus as a social media assistant. Next, there came an announcement from the student government association that people who want to run for the SGA senators from each class could start. I campaigned for five days, and finally, I was elected among the six class 2030 senators in Student Government. My transition, in short, has been about trying to step out when opportunity comes, and what Davidson is so particular about; it has a lot of opportunities, ranging from scholarships to partnership opportunities all to help you achieve your goals.

Tip for future students

Put yourselves out there, and show what you can do: Davidson College, among other schools perhaps, have a lot of opportunities for your growth and development, but the only way to reach them is to put yourself out, engage in activities going on, campaign for elections, especially when you are in the first year. My friends told me these advice and they are helping me. I wish someone should had taught me how to stay organized: There is a lot going on, and sometimes, I've missed some important things on Campus until someone taught me how to use a calendar to track all my daily activities and events to attend.

Favorite class

My favorite class so far is POL-202: Classical Political Theory. In this class, we explore different classical works by philosophers and thinkers like Aristophanes, Plato, and Aristotles, and evaluate their implications on the modern world politics. The first thing I like about this class is the professor, Peter Ahrensdorf. He is so passionate about discussing classical theory topics and he absolutely wants his to succeed. His class session is exceptionally engaging, and he is good at listening and polishing all students' thoughts and connect them to draw a picture of what the author wanted to mean. I usually like to drop in his office and discuss a few questions I had about the assigned readings. The second thing I love about the class is the readings that we do! Recently, we read The Odyssey by Homer, a translation by Lattimore. I love reading stories, and exploring the difficult yet adventurous and complicated Odysseus's homecoming and his hustles with gods' ignorance was absolutely amusing to me! I enjoyed discussing how Greek gods were believed to hold power and justice, and how Odysseus' journey seemed to prove that wrong.

Career goals

After college, I hope to be a great musician, who uses the music to solve some real world problems, perhaps create a music hub that helps people with mental issues. This has potential to change, but wherever, I hope to use my skills from Davidson College to be a great problem solver back in my society.

Ideal way to spend a free night

On a free night, basically when I don't have any assignment due, and done with my job, I go to Sloan Music Center to play piano, or go to play casual soccer, and have dinner in Vail Commons(the main eating place on campus) with a random group. When it's the weekend, there is a bunch of fun activities I go to, including watching soccer games and movie nights.

High school or secondary school

Ecole des Sciences de Musanze

Previous college

NA

Favorite spot on campus

Sloan Music Center. That's because in this house, there is always open rooms with musical instruments, and I usually go there to play Piano.