New Students,

My name is Adli Shah Adnan and I am a senior in Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Welcome to Iowa State University of Science and Technology!

Most of you have travelled across the ocean with 13 to 17 hours of flight time and not to mention those airport layovers that are painfully boring yet unavoidable. Alas, your journey is worth the destination, Iowa State.

My experience was similar to yours. Arriving on campus, everything was so foreign to me. I was very excited yet I felt like fish out of water.

The first week of orientation, you will most likely be taking random pictures around the campus and ‘selfies’ to be uploaded on social media websites. It is your first experience being in this country and in Iowa State, I truly understand.

Once you have reeled in all the beauty the campus has to offer, that is when reality sets in and that is when I felt my heart drop. To be honest, I felt out of place and completely lost. Not because the buildings on campus were difficult to find, it was about the cultural difference. I was not able to understand certain topics my friends were discussing simply because I am not an American. I did not know what Homecoming was, I was not in tune with American football and I certainly never had puppy chow!

I dare say, my first semester seemed harsh because I was still getting adjusted and trying to find the right path for myself. When the thought of family and friends back home lingered upon me, I felt like going back for good. Yet, I waited out the emotional roller coaster and now I am still here as a senior, seasoned with plenty of experiences.

This international guidebook will introduce you to all things that are Iowa State and Ames. Once you have read everything do not stop there, go out and get involved! We have about 826 clubs on campus and if you cannot find the right one, make your own club! There are plenty of events throughout the academic year so be sure to check it out! Learn about our ISU traditions and get that Cyclone Spirit in you! You are here not only to learn in class but also to learn how to live a life.

My fellow Cyclones and I welcome you to your greatest adventure yet.

Adli Shah Adnan,

Senior, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia