Martha Puthota believes everyone has an intriguing story to tell.

“We just need to take time out of our busy lives to listen," she said.

And Martha is no exception. In early 2005, she spent six months studying at the University of New England in Australia, taking courses in general education and her major, computer science.

Martha chose to travel to Australia despite everyone telling her it was too far away. She followed her own path and found herself in an ivy covered brick residence hall at the university located in Armidale, New South Wales. Martha said the small town, which is five hours northeast of Sydney, was based around the university.

She noted the biggest difference between the American and Australian university system was that there are no general education requirements. Students often complete their undergraduate work in three years.

Once the initial culture shock and homesickness wore off, she set off to meet new people on a campus filled with people singing songs about the college. One of her closest friends was her next-door neighbor, who shared her sense of humor. Now, more than a year later, she still remains in contact with the friends she made in Armidale.

“I would consider myself a very open and loving person, who feels at ease around people I can just talk, listen and laugh with, and that is exactly what I found in Australia” she said.

Martha also enjoyed being the only American student at the college. She said she became something of a novelty. Martha was able to blend into the crowd of new freshmen at first, but once word spread that there was an American on campus, people became curious. 

The college senior fell in love with the country. She extended her stay after the semester was over and spent a month and a half spending time with friends and their families throughout the eastern coast of Australia. Martha would like to return to Australia and spend some time working there.

Why New Paltz?: "It was amazing to see how uniquely connected the entire campus was. I loved how distinct each person was and how each of them seemed to find their own niche."

Australian wildlife: Martha said she once saw a kangaroo hopping near the University of New England campus.

Family values: "My family has done everything in their power to make me an accomplished person, and I never felt more accomplished than during the semester I spent abroad," she said.