Written by Renata Karpenko

L&T provided a valuable experience for my transition into full-time education in the U.S. Coming from Ukraine, I initially felt uncertain about whether my writing met U.S. college standards. During the first session, I remember being both nervous and curious. The environment felt entirely new, but I felt very welcomed by the professor and my peers from the very first class. The discussions quickly helped me build confidence in myself. Through the program, I developed my critical thinking and writing skills. I had a chance to analyze texts in depth and learn how to express my ideas clearly. The constant feedback from my professor and peers pushed me to think more logically and structure my arguments better.

Exploring the works of international authors was really inspiring because it helped me see how stories and ideas can connect people across different cultures and backgrounds. I first felt confident sharing my ideas when I realized that my unique background added value to our conversations. Collaborating with other students was one of my favorite parts. We learned from each other’s interpretations and built ideas together. Beyond academics, the program helped me adapt socially and culturally, easing my transition to a new educational system. L&T influenced my overall approach to learning; I became more open-minded, reflective, and willing to explore creative ideas. Compared to the classes I had before, it felt less about memorizing and more about understanding and discussion. The environment was also very supportive of international students; it encouraged curiosity instead of perfection, which made me feel comfortable expressing myself and learning at my own pace.

Written on Nov. 8, 2025