A Whole New World

By Mollie Welly

Rachael and her dad, John, at their Cleveland home.

Rachael Stephan, an 18 year old freshman at Ohio University, left her Cleveland home in September to embark on a much unknown journey in her life.  

Great Expectations

Before Rachael got to school, she was expecting it to be someplace that felt like home.  She wanted to be able to make new friends that felt like family, people who could substitute for those she had to leave behind.  Rachael thinks that those expectations have been met, but also changed.  “After meeting all new people, I felt very mature.  Of course I’m still growing as a person, but I’m more independent than I expected myself to be.”

What’s Missing?

Rachael has adapted better than others when going through the transition from high school to college, but she still misses her sister.  Rachael and Courtney, her sister, are very close and not being able to see one another every day has been hard for both of them.  They keep in touch through phone calls, texting and Skyping .  The pair will be reunited this weekend when Courtney travels to Athens for Sibs Weekend.

Life So Far…

Rachael and her family before her Senior Prom

Even though she is only about halfway through her freshman year of college, Rachael feels extremely rewarded with the choices she has made thus far.  Rachael is the youngest member of the Ohio University Intramural Sports staff, but she has embraced her job with open arms.  She has figured out how stay on top of her studies, and be very involved in the Intramural Program.  Rachael also could not be happier with her decision to live in a quad dorm room this year.  “I have made lifelong friends not only through my job, but also with the girls in my hall.  Everyone told me that I would hate living with three other girls but I think it’s the best decision I could have made.”

Rachael and her roommate before a night out

On the flip side, she says that not every day in the dorms are full of happiness and love.  As in every room, in every residence hall, it is a struggle to get everyone to do their part.  Rachael says it’s a constant battle to have everyone pull their weight.  Neglecting to take the trash out has been one of her biggest pet peeves.  

Looking Ahead

Rachael hopes to obtain a double major in Business Marketing and Sports Management.  She took courses over Winter Intersession and plans on getting ahead by taking classes this summer.  Rachael also hopes to get promoted within the Intramural Sports program and will be applying for a Student Director position this quarter.  “I just hope to get out of the college experience, what I’ve worked so hard to put in,” Rachael said.    

Question	Answer
Favorite Color	Green
Favorite Sport	Soccer
Favorite Class	COMS 101
Favorite Animal	Monkey