WORLD @ Stetson University

Chasing a dream: an opportunity as a life changer

by: Yana Verbova

Have you ever pondered what it’s truly like to chase your dreams, regardless of how daunting the path might appear? Let me assure you, the impossible is within reach. My story stands as a beacon of hope and resilience.

Two years ago, I stood on the brink of a dream, miles away from home in a country engulfed by war. Two years ago, I arrived at Stetson as a dedicated Ukrainian student to be one of the four lucky ones thanks to the Ukrainian Initiative program. Prior to Stetson, I studied dentistry for two years in Ukraine, but an unexpected burst of war events like a horrendous gash on the heart of my beautiful country ruined all my plans and belief in the bright future. 

When fate decides it is your turn, there is no way to lose the chance that happens once in a hundred, but grab it in a heartbeat instead. That is exactly what I did. However, I felt like I was split into two worlds: leaving my fabulous country with my close friends and family, who undergo a lot of difficulties every single day fighting for their own life, or building my own bright future in the USA. No matter how tough of a decision it was to me, I consciously decided to give Stetson a go, since studying in Ukraine was barely possible already at that time. 

My decision was absolutely right, the best one ever, I would say. The moment I set foot on campus, I fell in love. Though my first week was challenging, dealing with homesickness and loneliness, I embraced my mission: to gain a prestigious education that would empower me to help rebuild my country. 

The past two years (2022-2024) were filled with diverse and exciting experiences. My journey was nothing short of transformative, ranging from gaining hands-on experience with the dental club during my first year, to delivering presentations and events to raise awareness about Ukraine. I also had the privilege of tutoring peers at the Writing Center, traveling, and repeatedly earning a place on the Dean’s List. 

Stetson felt like home at the first glance. Encouragement from faculty members, support from the international student community, and the thrill of engaging classes really made my heart warmer and renewed my long-lost belief in a fulfilled life. I am proud to be a part of the marvelous Ukrainian community, with whom we built such an inseparable bond throughout these two years. Having a myriad of Ukrainian events and presentations made me feel both heart-rending and glad, since spreading awareness nowadays is a key. 

Stetson has also been a place for professional development for me, since my job at the Writing Center wasn’t just about commas and essays, but it truly gave me essential tools to be a clear and effective communicator and a leader, which is vital in the healthcare profession. Let alone talking about my Senior Research, where elaborate analysis of studies came into reality of me studying the participants in real life. 

To all prospective international students: I encourage you to apply to Stetson University. This supportive community, coupled with academic excellence in the beautiful sunshine state, will undoubtedly enrich your life. Embrace the challenge; you are the architect of your own future. Never stop believing in yourself and striving for self-realization.

My Stetson experience has been a wild ride-a rollercoaster of knowledge, compassion, hope, success and failure. None of this would have been possible without the incredible people who shaped my journey. I laughed, cried, grew and flourished at Stetson. Stetson is a place to be, Stetson is home, Stetson is my sole. 

Everything is possible! Never stop believing and doing everything for your own self-realization! I am profoundly grateful to everyone who supported me on this journey and to the universe for this unparalleled experience. I am ready to embrace my next endeavors with optimism and determination.

  So, here’s to Stetson, to our incredible journey together, and to a future where Ukrainians and Americans fly side-by-side towards a healthier, brighter tomorrow! And hey, if I ever find myself missing that Florida sunshine during my studies at Brown University for my MPH, you can bet this Hatter will be hopping on the next flight back to the warm Floridian home I found at Stetson!

“Once a Hatter, always a Hatter”. Couldn’t be happier to say this as a Stetson Alumna.

By Sara Hassler

April 5th, 2024 marked a new day for study abroad at Stetson University. The WORLD David and Leighan Center for International Learning, hosted their inaugural conference here in Deland. Attendees and presenters from all over Florida came together to enjoy the fruits of their labor from their time studying abroad. Neighboring schools like University of North Florida, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, came together to host the Lessons from Abroad Conference.

The morning began in Lee Chapel with a warm and proud welcome from President Christopher Roellke, led by Provost Skomp sharing her support for the conference and her own mention of leading a study abroad program in her past. The opening ceremony was concluded by Assistant Director of International Learning Programs, Melanie Smith, who joyfully directed the group towards the first presentations in Brown Hall and Sage Hall. Presentations now having begun, the two halls were brimming with stories about traveling abroad, becoming international students, and all the wonders of stepping out of one’s comfort zone to pursue higher education. Presenters stretched from Stetson students to students from the visiting universities giving their take on their lessons from abroad. 

The day was nicely interrupted by a break for lunch in the Stetson Room, where attendees and presenters had a chance to learn how to utilize their study abroad experience in their resumes and ventures into the workforce. Presentations led by University of North Florida and Stetson University aimed at teaching students how to include their experiences abroad in their resumes and how to account for the lessons they encountered while abroad. From missing a bus in Europe to remastering the experience to demonstrate a  student’s critical thinking skills, attendees were provided with worksheets that allowed them to identify learning objectives that matched with their time abroad. 

After lunch, presentations continued and the conference was later concluded with closing remarks in Lee Chapel. That marked the end to the first ever Lessons from Abroad Conference at Stetson University, the beginning of a great tradition that will hopefully be continued for years to come. 

Thank you to all the students who submitted pictures for WORLD’s 2024 Study Abroad Photo Contest! WORLD staff deliberated and narrowed the choices down to our top 10 finalists. Now we need your help to determine the winner!

Please take a look at the photos below and then cast your vote for your favorite three photos by noon on Friday, April 19!

Please remember to cast your vote for your favorite three photos by noon on Friday, April 19!

by: Damaria Y Ramierz-Espinal

On February 2^nd while students were in their daily routine with either classes or other matters, at WORLD we were preparing for a wonderful event that morning. The WORLD Fair was in full swing with the festivities and excitement from the children from an elementary school visiting our campus.

Nearly 80 3rd and 4th graders had the opportunity to learn about multiple countries and cultures from around the world. In total, Stetson students presented 15 tables with each one highlighting a different country or continent. The children had a fantastic time at the fair with a range of games, food, activities, and fun facts for them to explore.  Everyone one who tabled also had a great time interacting with the children as they were able to share a piece of new cultures and home with them. The WORLD Fair was a great success with everyone having a blast during the event!

By: Anne Walcher

As the sun dawned on this Tuesday morning, the campus of Stetson University was quiet and calm. Only a few students stayed on campus over the winter break. But the WORLD Office with all its ambassadors buzzed with excitement and anticipation. It was the start of International Student Orientation Days, a time for WORLD to welcome new students from all over the world. The welcoming committee gathered in U-hall, ready to extend a warm Stetson welcome to the arriving students and ready to help move them into their new home.

The official kick-off took place Wednesday. The day started early (no worries, we had plenty of coffee) with a jam-packed schedule at the Lynn Business Center. WORLD aimed to provide our new internationals with essential knowledge from Immigration Basics, Handling the Logistics, Student Health Insurance to Living on Campus and Working on Campus. However, it wasn`t all business- after a fun campus-wide scavenger hunt we had a delightful lunch from Moe`s, fueling students for the remaining activities. In the afternoon, the group embarked on a trip to Walmart for some essential shopping. The day ended with a cozy Pizza dinner at WORLD, providing the perfect setting for students to unwind and share stories.

The second day started a little bit later but there was no shortage of enriching activities. Presentations about Academic Culture in America and a following Mock Class were combined with Campus tours, showcasing the main buildings and key locations on campus.  A break and lunch from Publix offered moments of relaxation and sustenance for the last presentations of International Student Orientation. Finally, the group gathered for a picture in front of the iconic fountain- a symbol for unity and shared experiences.

Reflecting on these days of orientation, it was a blend of many feelings. We had stressful moments trying to find one student’s luggage, funny moments laughing about stories students shared with us and sometimes even sentimental moments because these days reminded us how we felt when we arrived at Stetson. Friendships were made, and the shared experiences created a strong sense of community.

The New International Student orientation days were not just an introduction; they were the first chapter in a story of cross-cultural connections, personal growth, and the pursuit of knowledge on our vibrant campus of Stetson University.

Welcome to all our new international students!

WORLD Ambassadors worked with the African Student Union and the International Student Organization to host Nigerian Culture Hour at WORLD on Friday, December 1 at 5pm. More than 30 students were in attendance to learn some fun facts about Nigeria, playing a Mentee game, and enjoying real Nigerian food prepared by Deltona caterer Forks & Fingers Nigerian Cuisine.

Stetson trustees, faculty and staff hosted 22 international students for this very American holiday!

Every year WORLD asks the Stetson community to host our international students for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. This year, 6 people signed up and hosted 22 students!

The students really enjoyed themselves as well as the hosts. A few comments the hosts shared with us were “I didn’t think I was going to have this much fun tonight!”  and “Family gatherings are important to me.  This is the first time I have felt this comfortable and good since arriving to Stetson this year.”

We are so grateful to our hosts who took the time to show our students what Thanksgiving means. The time spent together was special, and we are sure the parents of these students were grateful knowing their children were in a warm, welcoming environment!