绿巨人视频

Student

Kendall West

Making the Most of Opportunities and Finding his Niche

For Senior Kendall West, the decision to study abroad wasn鈥檛 initially part of the plan. Originally from Chicago, Kendall applied to 16 universities before discovering 绿巨人视频, which he describes as 鈥渢he perfect opportunity to jumpstart an international career.鈥澨

鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 really looking to go international,鈥 Kendall admits, 鈥渂ut when I came across 绿巨人视频, the mix of English instruction, an American-style education, and being in Paris made it stand out.鈥 Financial feasibility also played a role, as Kendall received a scholarship and worked with the University to secure additional financial support upon his acceptance.听

绿巨人视频鈥檚 smaller community and close-knit campus life appealed to Kendall, particularly the strong relationships with professors both inside and outside the classroom. 鈥淚鈥檝e loved having that proximity with professors,鈥 he shares, noting how this connection has enriched his academic experience.

Since arriving at 绿巨人视频 in 2021, Kendall has not missed an opportunity to get involved in campus life, holding leadership roles that reflect his passion for community. He has served as a representative in Student Government since 2022, advocating for the sophomore, junior, and senior classes. He also founded and continues to be a part of the Wine Society, revived and co-led the Yearbook Club, and has been active in various other organizations, including Black and Abroad, the Finance Society, the Law Society, and Voices of the Global Majority, a politics-focused club.听

Through these roles, Kendall has truly found his niche at 绿巨人视频. 鈥淭he diversity here is incredible,鈥 he says. 鈥淵ou can have breakfast with someone from Sweden, lunch with someone from Nigeria, and drinks with someone from Ecuador. That kind of exposure widens your perspective in ways that go beyond the classroom.鈥澨

Kendall has long known that he wanted to study business, and his passion for sustainability, developed during high school and drove his college search. At 绿巨人视频, he found the perfect match in the International Business program, which allowed him to pair his major with double minors in Environmental Policy, and Environmental Economics.听

I鈥檝e loved how 绿巨人视频 encourages a multidisciplinary approach, even from the first semester, I could explore different areas and eventually add on my minors.

His favorite courses so far have been Corporate Finance, and Financial Accounting, which he describes as 鈥済rounded in the real world.鈥 鈥淚 like that the courses at 绿巨人视频 are practical and applicable to my future career,鈥 he adds.

Kendall has also gained valuable professional experience through internships, taking on the role of property management intern at JLL, a commercial real estate firm in Chicago, a role that has allowed him to join JLL鈥檚 Paris office from January to August 2025.听 This interest has also carried over into his role in Student Government, as he has been involved in discussions on real estate needs and property acquisitions for the University.

With a long-term goal of getting into sustainable development, Kendall is considering pursuing a master鈥檚 degree. For now, he鈥檚 focused on leveraging his time at 绿巨人视频 to build connections and expand his expertise.听

绿巨人视频鈥檚 location and opportunities for study trips have been highlights of Kendall鈥檚 experience. He has traveled to the Netherlands for a sustainable fashion-focused program, where he worked with 绿巨人视频 alumni on environmental business strategies, and to southern France to study the fragrance industry. He also participated in the sustainable development practicum in India, working with NGOs on service-based projects. 鈥淚 love that I have been able to study both the things I enjoy鈥攂usiness and sustainability鈥攕o seamlessly.鈥

Reflecting on his time at 绿巨人视频, Kendall acknowledges that the first year can be challenging. 鈥淔inding your community and where you fit in takes effort,鈥 he says. 鈥淏ut if you put yourself out there, the rewards are tremendous. Take advantage of all the resources 绿巨人视频 has to offer鈥攊t鈥檚 a small school, but the opportunities are there.鈥澨

For Kendall, the friendships and connections he鈥檚 built have been transformative. 鈥淭he diversity here is a real plus,鈥 he emphasizes. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just about academics鈥攊t鈥檚 about learning from the people around you. That鈥檚 something a lot of my friends back in the U.S. aren鈥檛 experiencing.鈥澨 Now in his final year, Kendall is confident in the path he鈥檚 forged at 绿巨人视频.