American Moms: Ellen Owen ’85L and Susan Winstead ’79L

BY RIWAJ SHRESTHA ’22

I first met Ellen Owen and Susan Winstead on a fine July afternoon, as they had come back to their alma mater to attend Alumni College. Little did I know then that my summer job working as an RA for the Alumni College would lead to a strong friendship with these two incredible humans who have helped me in more ways I can express. I am proud to call them my American moms.

I don’t have any family in America, and except for W&L, no home either. So the times when campus closed and everyone went home for break were especially tough for me. But I am so grateful to have Ellen and Susan because they always looked out for me and did so much to make me feel welcomed in this country. From having me at their home to celebrate American holidays, getting me school supplies and snacks, and going apartment hunting with me in a new city, the list of ways they helped me in the past three years goes on and on. The