My W&L: Sequoya Bua-Iam ’17

“W&L manages to be a catalyst for adventure while still offering that ‘welcome home’ feeling.”

Growing up in a small town results in two contradictory feelings: the need to go out and experience the rest of the world, and the need to be part of a close-knit community. I had my mind and heart set on accomplishing both in college, which made finding and choosing the right college for me a little difficult. W&L was the last campus I toured, but I wish it was the first — that would have made my senior year of high school much easier! Yes, Lexington is a small town, but it is unique and beautiful. W&L is not a large university, but for me, it is the perfect size. And my favorite part: W&L manages to be a catalyst for adventure while still offering that “welcome home” feeling.

I have only been here a little over two years, and W&L has already provided more adventures than I could have ever dreamed of having. I have hiked all over Rockbridge County, gone caving, met Jane Goodall, snorkeled coral reefs for the first time, participated in a climate march in New York, collected fossils, spent way too much time wading in streams, and driven vehicles that could swallow my car! Additionally, W&L has incredible research opportunities for undergrads both on and off campus. My summer experiences have been instrumental in helping me narrow down my ultimate career goals.

To balance out all the excitement, W&L and Lexington have numerous outlets of coziness and comfort. On campus, there is always a friendly face and a comfy couch to take the much needed twenty-minute (or in some cases much longer) power nap. Living in Sustainability House, which is about a ten-minute walk from main campus, allows me to really appreciate Lexington. Every morning on my walk to class, I enjoy the smell of breakfast from Sweet Treats and the smell of coffee from Lex Co. Every night on my walk back, I enjoy looking at the window displays of the numerous art and antique shops. Once I arrive back at Sustainability House, I am reminded of my niche at W&L.

I feel I am part of W&L’s “green team”. In high school, I started an environmental club, and in college, I have continued that work in various ways. My experiences at W&L have not only further developed my love of nature, but they have also enhanced my activism, especially as part of the Student Environmental Action League (SEAL). I care a great deal about sustainability on campus, and I am certainly not the only one. Most students here are go-getters. W&L is a place that fosters such a dynamic — the perfect balance of having a close community, pursuing passions, and experiencing the world!

If you know any W&L students who would be great profile subjects, tell us about them! Nominate them for a web profile.