Rukshan and Shaveen find Tusculum great

Tusculum College, with its history going back to 1794 is the oldest institute of higher education in Tennessee and the 28th oldest in the nation. SUSA since 2001 has been committed to make the world’s best higher education increasingly accessible and affordable to the largest group of Lankan students.  

Two students were awarded scholars though Scholarships USA recently. Rukshan (Michael) Fernando from Lyceum Wattala and Shaveen Perera a student from Asian International commented on the scholarship and the Collage.

As a new student at TC the first thing that Michael noticed was the very warm reception that he received. “Everyone was so friendly and kind, the professors were really caring and I didn’t feel out of place,” he said. “I have found it very easy to make friends”.

Shaveen Perera a student from Asian International agreed and added that: “It was helpful to have family friends here to make the transition successful. I did not expect this much kindness from everyone. For example De Lane has been very supportive in taking me back and forth to the airport and the Dean of Students David McMhan was helpful too.

“I have been changing my eating habits and am a Vegetarian now. The cafeteria has been helpful, but I wanted more control over my diet and David McMhan helped me by allowing me to change my meal plan completely.” Shaveen continued by saying that, “Mike Sanders from Student Success has been very much a part of ensuring my success as a student in campus.”

When talking about classes and how they work with the block calendar, Shaveen said: “I hated the introduction part of class, but that is my personal thing. No one was judgmental or anything of that sort.”

Michael added that he loved the first day at class and that his favourite professor so far is Dr. Freeman, “She helped me to do well and helped me to find my first internship with American Greetings. It is a large national brand in America, that offers many opportunities of which I look forward in taking advantage of while here in America.”

“What I think I love the most about the block schedule is how it has allowed me to gain so much insight into each subject,” said Michael. Shaveen continued saying: “I am not sure why other universities do not take advantage of teaching on a block schedule. Taking one class at a time has really allowed me to focus and have a large amount of success; the exam schedule matches well too. I too am looking forward to an internship. I will put it off for now however.”

Michael commented: “Yes, the block schedule has allowed me to be involved with many student activities in campus.”

Shaveen said: “The other great thing about the block schedule is the block break. I have visited Knoxville, Gatlinburg and Nashville Tennessee during some of my block breaks, also Hollywood and San Francisco, and not to mention the trip to Las Vegas.”

Confessing that the college life at TC is a nice one Shaveen said, “I could not believe how integrated the campus was, the dorms are just what I would expect from an American college, it is very traditional, and quite spacious.”

Micahel went on to say that: “The food here is standard and at times is amazing. The food committee listens to different ideas and are often willing to make changes to the menu. The meals are mostly western however they are willing to make international dishes too. There is always something to do in campus.

“I have enjoyed going for pool parties and watching movies with my friends, and I have spent time watching traditional football matches too.”

Shaveen also commented saying: “Yes, I have enjoyed watching volleyball here, it is very exciting. I have also enjoyed going to the weight room to work out. It has been very easy to adjust to the weather here, as opposed to other states.”