Odette Mansour ’24
Odette Mansour ’24 didn’t begin her college career at Bryant, but after visiting campus, she knew she was meant to be a Bulldog. As a first-generation college student from Lebanon, she is no stranger to hard work. Her determination, combined with the support of Bryant’s transfer admission staff, helped make her dream a reality.
Why did you choose Bryant?
I wanted a close-knit community that resembled my upbringing in Lebanon — a school that would support me in becoming a trailblazer in my profession. I chose Bryant because it felt like home from the day I stepped onto campus. I knew that I wanted to be here. I knew that I would one day be a Bulldog. For me, it was Bryant or nothing.
How has Bryant shaped your academic journey?
I started as a finance major and a minor in legal studies. However, Bryant helped me figure out what my passion is. That’s why I switched to a double major in finance and economics. One of the things I love about Bryant is how you can combine your studies.
Every Bryant faculty member is focused on every one of their students. They don’t want you to just get good grades, they truly want to help you and make sure you really understand what they’re teaching. Your professors can become a second family to you. Going to school here has made me stronger and more confident. From my first day, everyone showed me so much support. They helped me get internships and jobs. They helped me build my connections. They helped me believe in myself and find my passion in life.
How have you made Bryant your own?
When I first came to Bryant, I noticed they didn’t have an Arab Student Association, so I started my own. It was an easy process, and everyone was so helpful. I wanted a connection between Arab students, and I wanted to share my culture with the Bryant community. At Bryant, there is a respect for everyone and who they are. This is a way for me to share my love for the country I came from.
What’s one highlight of your Bryant experience?
One of my favorite events on campus is Admitted Student Open House. It reminds me of the first day I came to Bryant. Now, as a student ambassador and an admission fellow, it’s my turn to help the next generation discover Bryant. When I give tours, I tell people my story, about what I’ve learned here, and how Bryant is helping me. I tell them, “I know that Bryant wants you to succeed.”
What advice would you give to future Bulldogs?
Be confident. Make your younger self proud. You have a community that will support you in every single decision. They will make you believe in yourself even more.
A Connected Community
Bryant's purposeful student life delivers co-curricular immersion with an inspiring, collegial community. Students forge deep connections that last a lifetime.
“When you come to a new country as an international student, you don’t know anything. The culture is completely different. Bryant has been great because I never felt homesick or bored. My professors helped me gain confidence. They helped me find my place at Bryant and made me who I am today.”
"The science classes are on the smaller side, so it’s easy for the science majors to know each other well. It’s been helpful to have a lot of familiar faces in class; we help each other out throughout the semester."
"I chose Bryant because of the business program. With the great network of alumni, I could see that no matter what major I chose, a good job opportunity would be available."