By Sian Wilkerson

Lindai Xie found a home away from home at Virginia Commonwealth University.

After graduating with a degree in psychology in her native China, Xie came to VCU and didn’t know quite what to expect. But while navigating early language and cultural barriers, she found the resources – and the community – that she needed to thrive.

First, in 2021, Xie earned her master’s degree in counselor education from VCU’s School of Education. And this month, she will receive her doctorate from after defending her dissertation, a compilation of three papers that examine support for sexual assault survivors.

Throughout her time at VCU, Xie utilized resources such as the International Educational Studies Center, part of the School of Education, which allows faculty and students on campus and across the globe to work and learn together inside and outside the classroom.

“The faculty members are very friendly,” Xie said. “They know that international students will probably experience some barriers, and they are willing to help. Not only faculty, but the dean and the department chair. They are willing to support me.”

Yaoying Xu, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Counseling and Special Education, said Xie’s “passion, persistence and diligence in pursuing her professional goals, as well as her kindness to help others and openness for new knowledge,” have stood out.

“Lindai quickly adapted to new cultures and dove into the academic world with her determination and positive attitude,” Xu said. “Once she set up her goals, she never gave up. Instead, she sought all sources in and outside of her program for assistance and guidance – and quickly caught up and excelled.”

As Xie became comfortable at VCU, she endeavored to help other international students do the same. She served as president of the VCU Chinese Students and Scholars Association, which helps them adapt to the U.S. environment by connecting them to each other and to American host families.

“The events provide an opportunity to meet new friends and get this social connection,” Xie said, with a message of “you are not alone here.”

“We actually have a big group here on campus, and a local community who have Chinese background or are interested in Chinese culture, and we are here to celebrate together,” she said.

Xie has relished the chance to explore Richmond in her years here, and she walks around the Fan District each week with friends to admire the houses. In good weather, they also walk to the James River.

As her VCU journey concludes, Xie is preparing for a new adventure as a faculty member at Texas Tech University, providing education and training for future professional counselors. But before she moves this summer, there’s one big thing to mark off her checklist: She needs to get a driver’s license.

“I do not have any driving experience,” she said. “Even in China, I don’t have a driver’s license. But in Texas, I have to learn to drive.”

As Xie says goodbye to Richmond and VCU, she reflected on her experience as a Ram and credited her time here with helping her grow both personally and professionally. “It’s just a very supportive environment,” she said.