Elze Demiri, 20, is a junior at Lake Forest College.
Q: Where are you originally from?
A: I’m from Kosovo. It’s in the eastern part of Europe. There was a war in 1998 and 1999, which was a big thing. It’s a very small country.
Q: What was it like growing up there?
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A: I grew up in a very small city, Gjilan. Everyone knew each other. I was involved in a lot of extracurricular (activities), all on the side. Because it was such a small city and had so many students, my (school) schedule was short. I went from 3 to 7:30 p.m. one year. Sometimes I had the morning shift (at school).
Q: When did you move to the U.S.?
A: I was there until I was 13, in 2010.
Q: Why did your family move to the U.S.?
A: Our education wasn’t the greatest. My parents were always striving for better education for me and my siblings. My uncle and aunt lived here already.
Q: Did you learn English in the U.S.?
A: I used to take English courses on the side (in Gjilan).
Q: You sound like a native speaker of English.
A: This is my third language. I also speak French, although I wouldn’t say I’m fluent in it.
Q: How is life different here?
A: Like feels a little bit slower than here. When I moved here, I felt I had to run places.
Q: You are double majoring in business and chemistry. Do you like math?
A: Back home, math moves a little bit faster. I remember when I came here in eighth grade. The things I was learning here in eighth grade I had already learned in sixth grade. We don’t use calculators much – everything is in the head.
Q: Besides your studies, what are you involved in?
A: Student Programming Board. I’m director of late night events. I’m also in Women in Business. I was in the French Club for a while. Every once in a while I attend some meeting for our Chemistry Club over here. I’m thinking of joining International Student Organization.
Q: Sounds like a lot.
A: I usually study after 6:30 or 7 p.m. I go to work and have meetings for clubs. I work in the Student Center. I feel like living on campus makes all that easier.
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