Sanduni shines at Indian Hills Community College in Iowa

“I am more than proud to say that I am a student at Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) in the United States of America. I strongly believe education is the most important in our lives, and it’s the key to success. Travelling to the states and being a part of the Indian Hills family have been a life changing experience for me.

Following the successful completion of my IGCSE Advanced Level in Lakeland Inter-American School, I was interested in pursuing my bachelors overseas. My parents have always been the root of persuasion for me. However, it wasn’t easy to pick a college that would make a difference. While I was struggling to find a good college to follow my dreams, one of my friends, who was already studying in the USA introduced me to Mr. and Mrs. Dissanayake.  They were extremely supportive and in all means professional in choosing the best college for me. 

The knowledge they had about the United States’ education system was impressive, and deciding on Indian Hills was one of the best decisions in my life. The main reason for selecting IHCC was the affordability and the great scholarships they offered. There was no delay. Immediately, a campus representative started to communicate with me providing all the necessary information and guidance for me to get ready for the life changing journey. 

IHCC is a two year college that provides an Associate’s degree where students are able to transfer the credits to a four year university with the opportunity of obtaining notable scholarships. The opportunities to grow academically successful were endless at Indian Hills. 

As a business major, I have been able to achieve a GPA of 3.5 and above during the period of one year. Unlike most universities, there is better communication between the professors and the students due to small class sizes. What I like the most is how the professors would know me just like a private tutor, and I am able to talk to my professors whenever needed. I was also active in various clubs and organisations such as the business club, science club, and the student organisation. 

They gave me the opportunity to go on a number of field trips, meet new people, and participate in various events. Moreover, there are a variety of services that students can use for no extra cost such as the library, the gym, volleyball courts, the Success Center, and so on. The Success Center provides free tutoring for extra academic support, and I was able to become a student tutor at the Success Center while working at the front desk as well.

Indian Hills had a hugely diverse student population, and making friends from all over the world was a wonderful experience. Learning different cultures and languages opened my mind to the world. I also took part in the host family program at IHCC where I was introduced to an amazing American family. This program allowed me to learn more about the American culture as well as share my own culture with them. 

The International Affairs Office is a home to all the international students. The staff is very friendly and assisted me throughout my stay in the states. The staff has also shown me the importance of planning ahead. Therefore, I decided to do the OPT program as my next step. The OPT program is a work visa allowing the college graduates to work for a one whole year. I am grateful for my host family, who is currently working on finding me a profession at the John Deere Company. 

After completing my OPT, I then plan to transfer to the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) to complete my bachelors. UNI provides a range of scholarships, especially to the students transferring from IHCC, due to the high quality education of IHCC. The memories I’ve made with those amazing staff, my American family, and friends from all over the world are truly a blessing! 

Just like the Indian Hills staff reminds us every day, IHCC is a home away from home. The accomplishments I achieved, the wonderful memories I made, the new experiences I had changed my life in the best way possible. IHCC opened my mind. My message to each and every one out there, who dreams big, is to open your mind to the world. There are opportunities waiting for you. Take that step and work hard to write your success story just like I did!