Pearl Dlamini ‘25, Eswatini

The House is home away from home! The Franklins are so welcoming and super friendly; it is always a pleasure spending time at their house. They open up their house, hearts and kitchen(!) to Middlebury students with so much warmth. My first time at The House, was when Annette invited me over to give me some 4C-hair-friendly products; which for me was such a great offer because I had been worried about where I could find hair products for my hair type. Online shopping is an option, but it is quite costly. I also spent the last few days of the December – January break at The House with a few other Middlebury students. Having delicious home-made food for a few days was such an amazing treat!

I have also had the opportunity to attend some of the culturally themed dinners hosted at The House. I appreciate how the Franklins celebrate diverse cultures through meals – I got a taste of Nigerian and Vietnamese dishes! I also meet and get acquainted with incredible Middlebury students at these hosted meals. I have had some of the best conversations while sitting around the big wooden dinner table, sharing a meal with other students and the Franklins! I am always looking forward to the next time I get to visit The House again!