October Scholar of the Month Edwin Sanchez Huizar tells us about Study Abroad + Bowdoin College

My name is Edwin Sanchez Huizar, and I am a third year at Bowdoin College majoring in

Mathematics and minoring in Computer Science.

I was born and raised in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico and live in Los Angeles, California. I decided to attend Bowdoin College, a private liberal arts institution in Maine, because of the college’s emphasis on the common good, community, individualized attention, the outdoors, and oddly enough, because it reminded me of my hometown in Mexico.

What have been the most rewarding activities/academics you have participated in?

At Bowdoin, I have been fortunate to participate in many rewarding activities and courses. Academically, the math courses at Bowdoin have been incredibly empowering and have helped me find and exert my confidence. On campus, the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), the Bowdoin Outing Club (BOC), and the McKeen Center for the Common Good (MCCG) have helped me find a sense of community, grow as person, and pay it forward. To name a few special moments: I attended a Latinx-Leadership Conference at Harvard with LASO; I learned to swim and ski with the BOC; and I traveled to Hawai’i to learn about Homelessness and Colonialism with the MCCG.

Can you tell us about your study abroad experience?

This semester, I am studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea. Having lived in Koreatown in Los Angeles, I chose South Korea because I wanted to learn more about Korean culture and identity. To apply, the office of Off Campus Study at Bowdoin College supported me throughout the application process and helped me find a program that fit my personal and academic needs. While far from home, my parents have been very supportive. South Korea has been one of the best decisions of my life and I would recommend people to study abroad to places they deem impossible.

What is some advice you have for incoming freshmen/ underclassmen to help them navigate their college experience?

The advice I would have for incoming first years is to be fearless and intentional with your goals and decisions. Be brave enough to step outside your comfort zone in every aspect of your life (socially, academically, professionally, etc.) and to hold yourself accountable. These past two years, I have been able to make friendships, work as a Teaching Assistant for the Math Department, conduct research with the Latin American Studies Department, and secure internships with tech companies. All of these opportunities were possible because I set goals for myself and committed myself to them regardless of how intimidating it was to walk into a room, talk to strangers, go into an interview, or showcase my skills. At the end of the day, we go to college to learn, ask questions, and utilize the resources available to us, so be brave!

What are you most excited about for this school year?

This Fall semester, I am studying abroad in South Korea and in the Spring, I will be studying abroad in Chile. Moreover, during winter break, I will be doing research in Mexico with the support of the Latin American Studies Department at Bowdoin College. While I won’t be able to be on campus this year, I am so lucky and blessed that my university continues to support my educational journey across the world. I am excited to return to campus my senior year, to reconnect with friends and professors, and graduate with honors.