International Student Profile: Niamh Tattersall

By Ryan, October 7, 2015

By Ann Shelley, Staff Writer//

The High Point University community is filled with students from all over the world who have traveled long distances to attend school. Freshman Niamh Tattersall is one of these individuals from historic Yorkshire, England.
Tattersall has moved around her whole life due to her dad’s job and grew up in various places including the Middle East as well as New Jersey for her senior year of high school.
However, she lived in England for most of her life, which is where she considers home.
“My typical day in England is very much the same as that in the United States; however, the people are much friendlier here,” Tattersall said. “Most individuals in London really keep to themselves and don’t go out of their way to ask you how you are doing like they do here. I really enjoy this aspect of HPU.”
Tattersall mentioned finding HPU through Google.
“If you search small private universities in the Southeast and you just narrow it down, you are bound to find it,” Tattersall said.
She was between many universities in the Southeast but decided on HPU because it has a quieter and cleaner setting than most other universities she visited.
Her adjustment to the United States culture was not very difficult due to her prior experience at her high school in New Jersey.
However, in England, Tattersall said she noticed a difference in testing and relationships with teachers.
She currently is pursuing a double major in criminal justice and psychology with pre-law.
“My favorite class so far is criminal justice because it is the class that is going towards my major,” Tattersall said.

Tattersall is getting involved in as many activities and clubs as she can handle and is part of the International Club, French Club, Citizen – Community Service and HPU Rec Classes.
“I really enjoy the rec exercise classes because they are a good workout,” said Tattersall.
She used to work at an exercise facility, and in the near future she would like to be involved in teaching classes at HPU.
“The people are all very nice here and I love the cleanliness of the university. If you go to London, it is very dirty. Here it is immaculate,” she said.
Tattersall does, however, miss her family, especially her dog. Her parents are constantly traveling back and forth between England and New Jersey so she hopes to see them soon.
“It is a lot of mileage, but it gives opportunity for more travel as a family,” Tattersall said.
“I did not know I was home when I first got here, but it is definitely a positive, good experience and I am very content here,” Tattersall said.