From where I sit
By Dr. Omobonike Odegbami, Director of International Student Services and Diane Ntaganda ’26, Features Contributor
Dr. Omobonike Odegbami, Director of International Student Services:
I would like to thank Mikaella Tortusa ’25 for reaching out to me about reviving the “From Where I Sit” column in The Spectator.
One of my mentors once told me that when starting a new job, “never hit the ground running.” This has been how I have always approached every new situation. I have been at Hamilton College for a little over a year now, and I have spent my time here trying to learn the culture of Hamilton College. What I have found from where I sit is that Hamilton College’s organizational culture is not necessarily monolithic, as sub-cultures exist within a larger organizational context. These subcultures have been found in the various departments that I engage with, project groups that I have participated in and even some of my lunch buddies. Regardless of their constituencies, I have found that these subcultures enhance, refine or challenge the dominant Hamilton College culture.
Understanding why Hamilton College functions as it does has been instructive to me, even if that information does not provide me with a formula for success. I have come to realize that, to be most effective, I have to culturally know Hamilton College, which requires reflective practice of drawing on the institution’s history, offering personal observations and interpretations and building a stock of knowledge from the perspective of others’ experiences. These aforementioned thoughts on Hamilton College’s organizational culture have laid a foundation for exploring how the “glue” of Hamilton College relates to my efforts in building out the International Student Services (ISS) Department.
The effectiveness of the ISS office to serve students is based on the placement of the office within the college structure. I am committed to making sure that the function of the ISS Department remains a symbolic place of validation and safety. From where I sit, I see my role as creating communities where respect, understanding and inclusion are the hallmarks of what happens every day.
Diane Ntaganda ’26, Rwanda:
What have you learned about yourself at Hamilton?
I learned that I have deeper passions than I originally thought. I learned that I can still have new dreams and pursue them, and that I can do things because I enjoy them and not because I have to do them. I have learned to put myself out there and be me. The real me.
What surprised you about Hamilton?
When I applied at Hamilton, I knew it was in Upstate NY and that the weather is not the best, but nothing could have prepared me for how bad the weather really is. Coming from a country where it has never been half as bad, it was the hardest and most surprising adjustment for me.
What are the differences/similarities between Hamilton/America and back home?
There are a lot of differences, especially culture wise and weather, but it has a lot of similarities as well, like mostly hospitality of some people.
What challenges have you faced?
Homesickness hits harder than anyone who has never experienced it can understand. It gives you a million reasons why going abroad was not the best decision and sometimes even reminds you why you should go back after getting your degree. Culture shock comes next after that. The diversity of cultures is a really good thing but, at the same time, it can be really hard to get used to and adjust while trying to understand.
What do you enjoy about Hamilton? (or not enjoy)?
I DO NOT enjoy the winter. Not in the very least. But I do enjoy the community. The community is really nice and welcoming and helps anytime one needs it without questions.
What are some fun facts about yourself?
I am a boy SCOUT. Back home, girls are allowed to join boy SCOUT.
Favorite memory at college so far?
This past summer on the Hill. The weather was very nice and the people who were on campus made the days better.
What do you miss about home?
EVERYTHING. But mostly my family, friends and food.
Any words of advice for fellow students (international or domestic)?
Live in the moment.
“From Where I Sit” is a column that features the voices of international students and faculty. Email us at featspec@hamilton.edu to share your story.
