California Baptist University international student-athletes worked hard earn a place in their respective sports programs. After leaving home, these Lancers had to adapt to a new environment while competing in a Division I school.
Leaving home was effortless for some international student athletes while others struggled to say goodbye.
Simge Yuksel, libero on the women’s volleyball team and sophomore marketing major, said, “I started everything from the beginning here.”
The norms Yuksel was used to in Instanbul, Turkey shifted into a new lifestyle when she entered CBU.
Adjusting to a new schedule was not the only challenge. After forming strong bonds with her teammates in Turkey, Yuksel had to learn new team dynamics as she grew closer to her teammates in the CBU gym.
“Volleyball is the biggest sport in Turkey so my old coach and teammates were more aggressive; they really wanted to win and they would get angry so I am able to really enjoy playing here,” Yuksel said.
Although Yuksel faced challenges, she also celebrated personal growth. “I improved myself here [and] I found myself here” she said. The atmosphere on the court inspired her to see her potential for future self-improvements at CBU.
Leaving home can be difficult, but it also opens doors for new experiences and opportunities to learn.
Filippa Botcher, middle blocker on the women’s volleyball team and freshman business administration & entrepreneurship major said, “It’s been hard now because of the language but I am doing good because I like learning new things.”
Botcher’s main challenge came from the language barrier and new vocabulary in her classes, including macroeconomics and introductory business, which included terms she had never heard before.
Despite the difficulties, Botcher found encouragement as she reflected on her home in Spain.
“It doesn’t feel like home-home like I’m in Spain but it’s going to be my new home for a long time–something different that I’m going to adapt to like a good different, ” Botcher said.
Aside from athletics, academics also presented challenges and pleasant surprises for international students.
Rebecca Lee, freshman kinesiology major, said, “When I took an anatomy and physiology exam my professor told me that I scored in the top 5-10% out of one hundred plus students.”
Lee, who lived in Malaysia for 17 years, said her classwork and studies were manageable because of her dedication to improving her education.
As part of her kinesiology requirements, Lee took a swimming class that made her anxious at first because her aquatic skills would be tested.
Rather than giving up, she faced her fears and ultimately achieved physical goals that strengthened both her academic and personal growth.
Through challenge and success, these international students learned that change is essential for growth and for shaping their futures.
