By David Bullock
UND is opening doors for Andrea Estling.
"This has been my American dream," Estling said. "I am living that now at UND."
Originally from Bogota, Colombia, Estling came to UND after living in two other U.S. states. In addition to finding a "second family" here, she's picked up her American citizenship along the way to a bachelor's degree in Spanish.
Estling, a junior, is finding that a University of North Dakota education really makes a difference.
"Here, I met amazing people like my adviser, Debra Maury," Estling said. "She has taught me different ways to study. She nominated me for the 2008 "Graciela Award," which is a financial award given by the UND Department of Languages. Debra Maury has also helped me become not only a student, but also a professional."
When she's not in class, Estling works as a resident manager for the student apartment residence complex on campus. In this position, she helps new students and their families adjust to UND and the community.
"I like that this is home for me," she said. "Grand Forks is a safe town. I've lived elsewhere in the West and Midwest and never felt as safe. The city is very clean and the people are very friendly and they always try to help you."
Estling says soon she'll take part in a program through the languages department that will allow her to study at the University of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain. Her goal is to teach Spanish some day.
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