Meet Luis Chong ’28 Chong loves spending time in nature, especially visiting the gazebo on campus.

Luis Chong ’28
Intended majors: Economics and environmental studies
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua

Why did you choose to come to W&L?

This is actually a hilarious story. When I made my college list during my high school junior year, my school counselor mentioned that another Luis from Nicaragua was studying here. I thought it would be quite funny if there ended up being two Nicaraguan Luises at the same college.

Jokes aside, I scheduled an interview to learn more about the school from a student. Her name was Emma Malinak, who graduated last year. She spoke highly of the professors’ friendliness and the close-knit community the college offers. Having stayed here for a year, I can confirm she was telling the truth.

Although I didn’t have the chance to talk much with her before she graduated, during the interview she was incredibly kind and optimistic about my application. Her encouragement really stuck with me — I thought that if people at W&L were like her, it would be a great community to be part of.

Have you discovered a course or topic that you didn’t expect to study whenyou first came to W&L?

If you had asked me back in high school if I intended to take any history classes at college, my answer would have been a kind no. However, I’m truly grateful I took Professor Ballah’s course on Youth and Social Movements in Africa.

I enrolled solely to fulfill my FDRs, but Professor Ballah’s approach to the topic was fascinating. What started as a mere requirement to fulfill turned into a journey of constant reflection and introspection. Her class invited me to see the world through a new lens. It helped me understand how youth is a heterogeneous concept that varies depending on a region’s context and culture. Moreover, it gave me skills and knowledge that have been of great use in courses like economics and environmental studies. Finally, and most importantly, it made me more aware of the agency we have as youth and the decisive role we can play in our communities.

Where is your “home” on campus?

For me, home has always been defined by people rather than place. Thus, I can’t pinpoint a specific spot on campus that I’d call home, as I find comfort in various locations so long as I have the right company. Sometimes “home” is the gazebo at midnight, the second floor of Commons or Fieldside. I’ve come to deeply appreciate many people on campus, and simply being with them is enough to make me feel at home.

What has been your most impactful experience at W&L, either on or off-campus?

My most impactful experience at W&L was sustaining a knee injury that forced me to use crutches during my second semester of freshman year. It was my first time using them, so daily life became significantly challenging. Actions I once took for granted suddenly became difficult. One would think this would be a miserable experience; however, it was one of the times I’ve been most grateful.

Before I even asked my friends for aid, they were already eagerly helping me ease my burden. Some helped me get dinner or carried my backpack to class. When my hall found out, my RA provided me with free meals from Coop, and my PC (Peer Connector) offered rides to the pharmacy. Despite my limited mobility, I did not feel isolated, but very supported. During this period, I came to truly appreciate the value and impact of being part of a community like W&L’s.

Who is your mentor on campus, and how have they helped you develop as a student?

I’ve learned a great deal from many individuals across campus. Having to choose a specific someone is hard. However, I would like to express my deep gratitude to Professor Betancourt for taking me under his wing for his Summer Research Scholars (SRS) project and for allowing me to enroll in his Spring Term agroecology class.

Both of these experiences have shaped my perspective of the world. The SRS project demonstrated how developing nations can exert global influence, and the agroecology class awakened a dormant passion for sustainable agriculture. These experiences have inspired my plan to apply this knowledge in Nicaragua in the future.

What was your favorite class and why?

That title belongs to Professor Fafatas’ Accounting 100. It was a flawless mix of the right professor, the right people and the right topics. I had a lot of fun doing the accounting exercises and discussing with my classmates during class. Even if I am no longer pursuing an accounting major, that class was one of my highlights of freshman year.

What are your hobbies/interests, and how has W&L helped you develop and pursue them?

Aside from academics, I usually spend my time around nature, connecting with people and, when possible, dancing. Fortunately, W&L’s campus is uniquely qualified for this, as it’s surrounded by nature. Whenever I get the chance, I like to either walk to the gazebo or explore the nearby trails. Serving as a PC and a FYE-100 facilitator has allowed me to forge meaningful relationships with remarkable individuals I would not have met otherwise. Finally, events such as Baile have not only allowed me to enjoy a little dancing, but also to connect with my fellow Latinos — a connection I deeply appreciate.

What has been your greatest accomplishment since arriving at W&L?

It is difficult to say. Different ideas come to mind when I try to answer this question. However, aside from orchestrating a massive comeback from a C to an A in my first economics course last semester, I will say making people around me smile is one of my greatest accomplishments. There is a unique charm to seeing those around me be happy, even more than getting an A. Oftentimes, it is difficult to feel at ease, especially as a college student, so having the chance to help someone else is an opportunity I cherish.

How have your experiences at W&L prepared you for post-graduate success?

I will say the sense of accountability is something that has definitely influenced my growth as an individual. The feeling that each of my choices has a weight encourages me to take a more purposeful approach when making decisions.

Who or what inspires you?

My three siblings. They are the reason I keep going even when things are not running as smoothly as I wish they were. When I was younger, my mom told me, “Whatever you do will influence your siblings one way or another; to them, you are their sun.” I initially failed to believe her, but growing older helped me see the truth behind her words. My siblings look up to me. For them, I must remain strong. I know the world can be challenging and discouraging at times. Thus, I must persevere so that they realize it is possible to achieve their goals. Some might consider this a heavy burden, but seeing my siblings smile as they pursue their dreams makes it worth everything.