Connection Across Continents: Domina Wamara ’26 Finds Community at Davidson

“Watching that video, I could see how close and supportive the students were, and I knew I wanted to be part of a community where people genuinely cared for each other,” she said.

Wamara also remembers watching videos of several international students sharing their Davidson stories. Again, the theme of a tightly knit community emerged. The students highlighted the extensive research opportunities and abundant resources for international students. The decision to apply early was an easy one. 

Raised in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, as one of six children, Wamara grew up understanding the value of education. Her parents knew access to a larger school outside of her hometown would challenge her, foster independence and open doors to expansive possibilities. Entering 11th grade, Domina applied and was accepted to the African Leadership Academy, a highly selective boarding school 2,300 miles from home.

Her goal at the South African boarding school was simple — to work hard so she could attend a great undergraduate institution. The higher education system in the United States offered her the opportunity to explore her passions and connect new ideas across disciplines. 

“Initially, I was looking to study at an Ivy League school, especially Princeton,” Wamara said, “but my high school advisor suggested a smaller school might be a better fit.”

Davidson topped her advisor’s list because it offered a more supportive community for international students as well as academic rigor. A former schoolmate at the Leadership Academy attended Davidson, and that connection piqued Wamara’s interest even more. 

Accepted through early decision, Wamara received the Davidson Distinguished Scholar Award and was selected as an Alvarez Scholar, an experience she describes as life changing. 

“The Alvarez family’s generosity has allowed me to navigate my academic journey as an international and first-generation student with a sense of security and hope,” said Warmara, who also receives significant funding from the Williams Family Scholarship.

Finding a Home at Davidson

Wamara believes boarding school gave her the necessary tools to navigate the challenges of her new home at Davidson. She quickly learned that “Alvarez Scholars stick together,” finding comfort in their shared experiences. She made fast friends with her hallmates on 3rd Belk, who offered encouragement and camaraderie. 

In addition, Wamara leaned on campus resources to ensure a smooth transition to Davidson. She connected with the International Student Engagement office and was matched with Sally and Jeff Watson through the Host Family Program. The Watsons have four boys, and their large family immediately reminded Wamara of home. She says the Watsons have become her roots at Davidson, and the Watsons clearly cherish their relationship with her. 

“Domina is brilliant, a bright ray of sunshine, always finding joy and laughter in every moment,” Sally Watson said. “She’s driven, flexible, motivated and does it all with a positive attitude. She’s a role model and a fierce leader. Our kids look up to her. Domina has had a huge impact on our lives.”

With an innate love of the sciences, Wamara’s academic journey at Davidson began with an eye toward a chemistry major. When she took Professor Durwin Striplin’s “Principles of Chemistry” class first semester freshman year, he quickly became a mentor and confidant as she adapted to life at Davidson. 

“I would drop by his office just to talk,” Wamara said. “He offered great support and listened to my story.”

In turn, Wamara made a lasting impression on Striplin, who called her “the kind of scholar that made me want to teach better and be a better professor and person.

“So, I’m not sure who shaped who in our encounters in our general chemistry course,” he said.  

Impact Beyond Campus

The Alvarez Scholars Program opened doors for Wamara on Davidson’s campus, but the Alvarez Access Fund, which provides additional grants for international students, expanded her global education. She applied for funds that have supported her internships over the past two summers at the Center for International Health, Education and Biosecurity (CIHEB) in Tanzania and at the University of Kuala Lumpur Institute of Medical Science Technology (MESTECH) in Malaysia. 

Most recently, Wamara studied at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland — an experience made possible through her scholarship and the Alvarez Guarantee Grant. She describes her time there as “transformative.” In addition to taking classes from acclaimed professors, she immersed herself in Scotland’s vibrant culture. From hiking Arthur’s Seat to falling in love with traditional Scottish dancing called ceilidh (pronounced Kay-Lee), Wamara took advantage of every experience her study abroad program had to offer.

Now back on campus, Wamara looks forward to reconnecting with friends and making an impact at Davidson. She has served as a student leader in the Residence Life Office and an Executive Board member for the Davidson International Association. She is committed to carrying forward the values of generosity, service and leadership.

Wamara remains passionate about the sciences. She shifted her focus from chemistry and has declared a major in biology with a minor in public health. She will intern this summer in a lab at Duke University, working on vaccine development and plans to continue her journey in research and the public health arena. 

Wamara offers sage advice to any student considering Davidson: 

“Take advantage of every opportunity — Davidson has so many resources, so use them! Don’t worry about finding your community. You’ll find them. There’s always someone to help you.”