Life in the First Year Lane is a series documenting the experiences of first year students at Anna Maria College as they begin their college journeys. From living away from home for the first time to joining clubs and athletic teams and beginning their academic pursuits, the Class of 2029 is making their mark on campus!
Dean of Students Drew Melendez sat down with sports management major, men’s soccer student athlete, and international student Sam Christian ’29 to talk about his first year at Anna Maria College.
“Sam, what made you choose Anna Maria College, and to come the United States?”
The reason I came to America [from England] in general was to play football, or soccer. There were a bunch of other schools I could have gone to, but between the environment and speaking to the coaches, that was a big part of what pulled me over. Also, if I didn’t have access to the academic side of things, I probably would not have come. I want to play soccer at the highest level, if that doesn’t work out, then I’ve got to have something to fall back on. The sports management program has been really good. I really want to work in the sports industry, specifically soccer, whether that’s coaching or behind the scenes.
“Have you noticed any differences in how people talk about athletics in the US versus back home?”
Yeah, I think the one thing is with American football and basketball. They’re not really played over in England. And so, I don’t really know much about them. Everyone was talking about the Superbowl and I watched it but I didn’t have much idea of what was going on so that’s been a bit of a culture change. I live in a house with other soccer players so I live with everyone that’s got the same interest as me. Living with my teammates really helped me settle in immediately.
“What are some opportunities you’ve found at Anna Maria College?”
I think one thing that’s sort of different is here you have to take different general classes. I’m taking philosophy this semester. I’ve been taking like English classes since last semester. Compared to England, that’s completely different because there you just do one thing. I think taking general classes has helped with general knowledge and just my life skills.
“What has been some of your favorite classes?”
I really like the sports ones because it’s what I’m interested in. With my major in Sports Management, I automatically have to take a minor in business. It really surprised me how much I’m invested in that because it wasn’t necessarily something that I would be jumping straight towards. It’s been great having the teachers and just the lessons in general being engaging and really helpful. I think it’s been quite surprising how much I’ve like been engaged and enjoyed it, really.
What advice would you give a new international student?
I think just trying to trying to get involved quickly because if you don’t, if you shy away from doing things, it will just kind of make the experience a bit worse because you’re already so far away from home. You might be homesick but getting involved, meeting new people, things like that– it will be really helpful.
