Hear from incoming students why they chose to attend CWRU
Today marks the first day of classes at Case Western Reserve University for the 2025-26 academic year—and for the newest first-year and transfer students of our community, the start of an exciting new chapter.
To discover why incoming students chose CWRU as the place to begin (or continue) their academic journey in higher education, we spoke with five individuals who shared their thoughts.
Read on to hear their perspectives.
Isabella Anderson
Hometown: Ashville, New York
Area of study: Chemistry and business
1. What drew you to CWRU?
I was impressed by how helpful and supportive people were to one another when I first visited campus. The feeling that most people genuinely care about succeeding and uplifting their peers definitely drew me in.
2. What are you most looking forward to?
I come from a very small town with only about 70 in my graduating class, so I am most excited about getting to explore the city. I want to take advantage of the free and discounted events for students in the surrounding area.
3. Are there any goals you hope to accomplish during your first year?
I want to join one club centered around something I never would have had the opportunity to do in my hometown. I also want to join a club that I could easily continue back home.
Saher Aslam
Hometown: Punjab, Pakistan
Area of study: Social work
1. What drew you to CWRU?
The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences’ commitment to social justice, academic excellence, diversity, and support align with my goals and vision of creating justice for all.
2. What are you most looking forward to?
I am particularly excited about the Master of Social Work and Master of Nonprofit Organizations dual-degree program because it will provide me with tools needed to bridge the gap between direct service and macro-level nonprofit management.
3. Are there any goals you hope to accomplish during your first year?
My goal is to address educational inequality—a social justice issue I am deeply passionate about. I plan to specialize in clinical studies within the MSW program to address students' social and emotional needs, and use the MNO program to learn how to tackle larger, systemic issues.
Nothando Dlamini
Hometown: Hiuti, Eswatini
Area of study: Mechanical engineering
1. What drew you to CWRU?
I am the youngest of 12 children and the first to go to college. I applied to CWRU because of the good engineering programs they have and diversity in Case School of Engineering.
2. What are you most looking forward to?
Having the opportunity to learn at CWRU is the greatest thing in my life, and I am grateful for the support from the school and I hope to make good memories and connections while here.
3. Are there any goals you hope to accomplish during your first year?
My goal is to make connections and make CWRU feel like my home here in the USA.
Ethan Liu
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Area of study: Biochemistry
1. What drew you to CWRU?
The pre-med study-focused environment and multitude of opportunities in the hospitals around campus.
2. What are you most looking forward to?
I’m excited to meet people from different countries.
3. Are there any goals you hope to accomplish during your first year?
I want to learn to manage my time better.
Ella Dill
Hometown: Youngstown, OH
Area of study: Biology, pre-med track
1. What drew you to CWRU?
I went to a private catholic high school with a very close-knit community, so I wanted to find a campus with a similar vibe. I wanted to meet new people but not feel overwhelmed by the amount of people in my class.
2. What are you most looking forward to?
I grew up around Filipinos and Italians, so I want to meet even more people with different cultures, religions and traditions from me. I love new environments and learning about other people’s customs.
3. Are there any goals you hope to accomplish during your first year?
I hope to continue serving my community by volunteering at the various hospitals, homeless shelters and community pantries near us.
