A master's student from Mongolia in the College of Education and Human Ecology, Khosbayar Nyamsuren shares her "Your America in 250 Words” essay.
"My first day at The Ohio State University remains one of the most meaningful moments of my journey in the United States. As I walked across campus, I was struck by the beauty and calmness of Mirror Lake. The quiet water and surrounding trees reminded me of the countryside in my home country, Mongolia. Every summer, I visit the countryside, where many lakes are surrounded by mountains and open grasslands. Standing by Mirror Lake, I felt a similar sense of peace, as if a part of my home had travelled with me.
Later that day, I visited Thompson Library. As I explored each floor, I experienced a moment that deeply moved me. On the top-floor elevator door, I saw a phrase written in a traditional vertical script derived from Mongolian. I was surprised and touched. I never imagined seeing a script connected to my country’s linguistic heritage in a university library in the United States.
At that moment, I felt a quiet certainty that I was in the right place at the right time. As a graduate student, this experience deepened my understanding of education. Learning is not only about acquiring knowledge, but also about connecting cultures, histories, and identities. Studying in the United States allows me to see knowledge as something shared across borders, not limited to one place or language. My journey here is not only about distance from home, but about building a bridge between my past experiences and my future academic work."
The Office of International Affairs invites Ohio State’s international students to participate in the “Your America in 250 Words” essay and photo contest, a unique opportunity to share personal perspectives and experiences while studying and traveling in the United States.