This year, Ms. Caitie Cotton, a History, Philosophy & Religious Studies Faculty and Harman Hall dorm head, has taken on a new responsibility at Loomis Chaffee: the Interim Director of International Student Support. In addition to her teaching and coaching duties, Ms. Cotton is now leading the growth, support, and development of a diverse student body on the Island.
“I am really happy to be getting to know a much bigger part of the population,” Ms. Cotton said. “We have 123 international students at Loomis this year. Between the kids I teach and the 40 students I have in [Harman], I feel like I know a huge part of campus, which is great.”
For Ms. Cotton, stepping into this role has brought both challenges and opportunities. One of the steepest learning curves came right at the start of the year. “I took this job about two weeks before everyone arrived, so I had so much to learn about I-20s, visas, passports, and travel,” she explained. “I’m definitely still learning … I’ve had three different Zooms with government officials that I’m continuing to learn.”
While the logistical side of the role has been demanding, Ms. Cotton said she looks forward to focusing more on cultural based event planning as the year progresses. “I’m excited to [start not] having to worry [too] much about the paperwork quite as much and starting to think about the big events,” she commented.
In adjusting to the new position, Ms. Cotton also had the help of International Student Ambassadors (ISAs), who have served as major pillars of support. “There are a bunch of ISAs who are in their second or third year,” Ms. Cotton said. “When I came in, I told them, ‘Hey, I’m new. I care about you all a lot, and I’m working really hard. Let me know what worked well in the past.’ They’ve been incredibly helpful, especially with move-in and planning events like the Mid-Autumn Festival.”
International students express delight at what the department has been able to accomplish. “Speaking from the perspective of an international student, I feel like the orientation activities, cohorts ,and having cohort leaders who we can relate to has been extremely helpful,” said Venus Lu ’29 as she reflected on the first few weeks of school. “It’s been really fun hanging out with them.”
Minnie Vongvadhanaroj ’29 revealed a similar sentiment: “We (the ISA cohort) were all eating together [at the local Thai restaurant] as a family. [Loomis] has very good variations of a community.” The beauty of it all thrives on the system the International Student Support has built.
Ultimately, Ms. Cotton hopes to be a figure of reassurance for all international students on campus. “Everyone at Loomis is here to help you,” she advised. “In some cultures, asking questions is really common, while in others it might be less so. But I would say to all students, especially international students, never be scared to meet with a teacher or ask a question.”
In addition, Ms. Cotton views her primary responsibility as helping students connect with resources. “Your parents might be buying your plane tickets,” she said. “But I can help you find people to carpool with to the airport, make sure you have all the documents you need, or connect you with the right offices on campus.”
As she settles into her new role, Ms. Cotton is excited for all that’s to come in the new school year. Open to suggestions, Ms. Cotton is constantly seeking ways to improve and better her support for students: “My office is in Chaffee 118A and my door is open… I’d love for people to stop by and let me know what else they want to do!”
