Blog Post #2

I can really tell that I've started to make friends for a lifetime with this group. In our most recent meeting, we went to the Jolly Pumpkin and had an awesome time! One of my members even brought a friend from her class and I thought it was great to get more exposure of the Chat Cafe program to international students. We ordered truffle fries and chickpea fries for the table and everyone feasted on burgers and and pizza. Everyone loved the food and we all wanted desperately to go to a different restaurant every week. However, since this idea may not be the best for our wallets, I suggested trying coffee places/ice cream shops as an alternative. We definitely will try some international cuisine in the weeks coming though. We chatted for another half hour at the restaurant after we finished our food and all headed back to central campus together. Three of my group members went to Hatcher to study together after dinner. Seeing them walk away laughing truly warmed my heart. I am so grateful that I have had the ability to bring together students from completely different parts of the world and help them to form friendships. A number of students have sent me essays and applications for me to look over and I have helped them wholeheartedly. I love to be a resource for them and a source of support. My group member who returned from last semester informed me that he is graduating in December and would like to continue in the same group until he finishes he education here at University of Michigan. I was so happy to have made a lasting connection with this student and I think that Chat Cafe has done an extraordinary job of connecting international students with peer mentors. With stellar attendance and amazing experiences, this Chat Cafe group has made my semester so memorable.