As the first month of the semester wraps up, freshmen at Averett University are beginning to navigate this exciting new chapter of their lives. With emotions ranging from joy to homesickness, these students are transitioning from high school to university with resilience and determination.
This August, Sunna Maas, a business administration major, embarked on her American college experience, traveling all the way from Berlin, Germany, to Danville, Virginia.
“From day one, I expected to feel welcomed, and I’m pleased to say that the reality has exceeded my expectations. The sense of community here is palpable, and it truly feels like one team, one family,” Maas said. “The orientation activities and friendly faces made it easier to connect with fellow students and faculty.”
However, transitioning can be challenging. Balancing the demands of being a student and an athlete requires strong time management skills to juggle classes, practices, and social activities.
“Some days feel overwhelmingly busy, but I remind myself that this is part of the college experience,” Maas said. “Each challenge I face is an opportunity to grow and adapt.”
Florian Julius Bert, also majoring in business administration, shares similar sentiments about starting his college career.
“I’m really happy that I found friends quickly, as I was nervous about fitting in,” Bert said. “My housing situation has been a pleasant surprise. The dorms are even better than I expected, and my roommate is very nice.”
Ella Boddington, from Nottingham, England, transferred to Averett University and is now experiencing her first year as an Averett cougar. After suffering an injury at her previous college, she took a year off but is now back and healthier than ever, ready to make the most of her college experience.
“The first few weeks of college have been fun. Personally, it took a bit of adjusting after taking a gap year away from studying, but I’ve made some really good friends already and love being a part of the tennis team,” Boddington said. “Being a transfer student and now a sophomore has made it easier to settle in and feel less homesick.”
Even though Boddington had already experienced being a freshman, she still
finds herself managing a new workload and adjusting to being away from home again.
“I have to get into the studying mindset and get used to the
fact that my family is far away,” Boddington said. “As an international student, you have to accept that you can only realistically go home a maximum of two times a year. But living away from home gives me independence, which I love.”
As all the freshmen at Averett University continue to settle in, they are not only forming new friendships and tackling academic challenges but also discovering a newfound sense of responsibility. Each student’s journey is unique, marked by both triumphs and trials, yet the supportive community at Averett serves as a strong foundation for their growth.
