How the Class of 2021 has transitioned so far

As freshman, most students experience different reactions to their first week on campus. While freshman year is a change for everyone, each student faces unique challenges and tackles the transition in their own ways.

Aside from schedules and classes, these differences often depend on where each student comes from. In the Class of 2021, students hail from 27 states and 10 countries. This diversity makes for a variety of experiences, among a rich student body.

For Sofia Ruiloba, ’21, leaving Miami means adapting to a new kind of urban life.

“I thought it would be hard because I came from somewhere completely different,” Ruiloba said. “It’s still a city, so it’s still familiar to me in a way, but I just love the feel of Philly.”

Despite not knowing other students attending Saint Joseph’s University, the campus environment has allowed Ruiloba to meet new people, as well as have many positive encounters while in the city.

“I love Miami, but the people here[in Philly] are so welcoming,” Ruiloba said.

The welcoming atmosphere of both the campus and the city is a common sentiment among the first-year students.

“The atmosphere is something I can’t even describe,” said Chris Rini, ’21, from Long Island, New York.

The most important part of the transition for Rini is being social and optimistic.

“I’ve tried to go out of my way to make as much of an effort as possible,” Rini said. “The more you get involved and go into places with a positive mindset, the better time you’ll have.”

However, not every aspect of this process is easy. For Khalil Thames, ’21, mastering time management and the different learning styles in college classes has been a challenge. While he said he is still trying to balance his schedule and workload, he remains positive.

“I can fail on my own, and I can do well on my own,” Thames said. “I can learn for myself.”

Coming from Bel Air, Maryland, Thames feels independent being away from home. Though difficult at times, Thames believes being away from home is also freeing and St. Joe’s has helped to make the adjustments go much smoother.

For Guillermo Caro, ’21, traveling from Bayamón, Puerto Rico, the support of the community has been essential in making his decision to come to the United States easier.

“I didn’t want to study in the U.S., but [Saint Joe’s] has made it worth it,” Caro said. Caro’s first visit to campus was only his second time in the country, so he did not know what to expect in a new city. Caro knew other Puerto Rican students, but what really helped him were the efforts of his Orientation Leaders, who kept in contact with him throughout the summer.

While part of the transition has been going well for him, the cultural adjustments have been more difficult for Caro. “I’m trying to get into the North American lifestyle,” Caro said. “I don’t dress the same, it’s so much colder and even the food is different.”

Despite the challenges, each student agreed that they have found a community of people, both on campus and in the surrounding area, that provides the environment they need to adapt.

“I didn’t know what I wanted,” Caro said. “But I feel like I’m in the right place right now.”