Virtual Homecoming is a chance to share memories from your time at the UI and reconnect with your alma mater, regardless of where you are in the world. During International Education Week 2015 (Nov. 16-20), we will be sharing some of these alumni stories.

Xiangyu Wang came to the University of Iowa from Bengbu, China, and graduated in 2014 with a degree in mathematics. She currently works as an actuarial research analyst for Country Financial in Bloomington, Illinois, building home and auto pricing models.

Xiangyu’s favorite memory from her time at the University of Iowa was when she had an opportunity to sing onstage for an audience. She loved hearing the warm applause and having her friends come support her. The main library was Xiangyu’s favorite place on campus, and she liked the building so much that even studying for difficult actuarial exams became enjoyable!

Outside of the classroom, Xiangyu learned to stay positive when life gets tough. While enduring culture shock and adjusting to a language barrier and to life without family in a different country, staying positive helped tremendously.