My name is Victoria Garrido, and I am an international student from Spain studying Business  Administration at Mississippi College (MC). I was a member of the women’s tennis team during my first  two years, an experience that played a huge role in shaping who I am today.

I decided to come to the United States because I wanted to combine my academic studies with  competitive tennis—an opportunity that is not as common in Spain. Moving here has been one of  the most challenging and rewarding decisions I have ever made. 

From the very first day, my team made me feel welcomed and supported, which helped me adjust  quickly and confirmed that Mississippi College was the right place for me. 

Choosing Mississippi College felt like the right decision from the beginning. I was drawn not only  by the opportunity to combine academics and athletics, but also by the values the university  represents. As a smaller, Christian university, MC offers a close-knit and supportive environment  where people genuinely care about each other. That sense of community and kindness really stood  out to me. 

However, the transition to the United States was not always easy. Adapting to a new language, a  different education system, and a completely new environment was challenging at first. Simple  things like participating in class or managing my time felt overwhelming in the beginning. 

Over time, I learned how to adjust. I became more confident speaking English, improved my time  management, and started to feel more comfortable in my daily life. Being surrounded by supportive  teammates and professors made a huge difference and helped me overcome those initial challenges. 

Being a student-athlete at Mississippi College has shaped my experience in ways I never expected.  As a tennis player, my daily routine during my first two years was very demanding. A typical day  started early with morning workouts at 6:45 a.m. After that, I would have breakfast around 8:00  a.m. before heading to class. After class, I would have lunch around 12 p.m. before going to  afternoon practice. Once practice was over, I would go to the gym for recovery, then have dinner.  Around 7 p.m., after finishing dinner, I would start studying and working on assignments. That was  my life as a student-athlete—busy, structured, and very disciplined. 

However, my journey was not easy. During my freshman year, I suffered an ACL injury, and then in  my sophomore year, I tore my other ACL. Those two injuries were some of the most challenging  moments I have faced, both physically and mentally. Because of the demands of recovery and  rehabilitation, I wasn’t able to work during those first two years, as all my time and energy were  focused on healing and staying on track academically. 

After going through two ACL injuries, I made the difficult decision in my junior year to step away  from tennis. It was not an easy choice, but it allowed me to focus on other opportunities and  continue moving forward in a different way. 

Since then, my routine has changed, but I still maintain a very active and structured lifestyle. Now,  a typical day starts with going to the gym, as I enjoy staying fit and continuing to take care of my  health. After that, I go to work for a few hours and attend my classes. Once classes are over, I  usually have lunch and then return to work in the afternoon. In the evening, I have dinner and then  dedicate time to studying or completing assignments.

Currently, I work at the International Institute and as part of the athletic event staff, which has  allowed me to stay connected to the campus community in different ways. Working at the  International Institute has been especially meaningful to me because I get to interact with other  international students who are going through similar experiences to the ones I had when I first  arrived. I help with daily tasks, assist students when they have questions, and contribute to creating  a welcoming environment. It feels rewarding to support others and give back to a community that  helped me so much in the beginning. 

As part of the athletic event staff, I work at different sports events on campus, helping with  organization and game-day operations. This includes setting up events, making sure everything runs  smoothly, and supporting both athletes and spectators. Even though I am no longer competing, this  role allows me to stay connected to the athletic environment, which is still a very important part of  my life. On weekends, I often work at these events, which keeps me involved and engaged with the  Mississippi College community.

Even though my path has changed, these experiences have helped me grow, adapt, and become  more resilient. My journey has taught me that even when things don’t go as planned, there are  always new ways to move forward and continue building your future. 

What makes Mississippi College truly special is the people and the environment it creates. As a  smaller, Christian university, there is a strong sense of community where students are not just  another number. Professors genuinely care about your success, both academically and personally.  They are always willing to help, whether it’s answering questions after class, offering guidance, or  simply taking the time to get to know you. 

The campus environment is very welcoming and supportive, which makes a big difference,  especially for international students. From my own experience, having people who are kind, patient,  and understanding helped me adjust and feel comfortable in a completely new country. 

Mississippi College also offers many opportunities to grow beyond the classroom. Whether through  athletics, campus jobs, or leadership roles, there are many ways to get involved. Being part of the  tennis team gave me discipline and a sense of belonging, while my work at the International  Institute and athletic events has helped me develop professional skills and gain valuable experience. 

Overall, MC provides a balance between academics, personal growth, and real-life experience,  which is something that has had a lasting impact on me. 

Looking ahead, my main goal is to build a career in the business field, ideally in an international  environment where I can apply everything I have learned during my time in the United States. One  of my biggest aspirations is to work in the European Union, where I would be able to use not only  my academic background in business, but also the language skills and global perspective I have  developed while studying abroad. 

My experience at Mississippi College has played a key role in preparing me for these goals.  Through my academic program, I have gained a strong foundation in business, while my  experiences as a student-athlete and working on campus have helped me develop important skills  such as communication, adaptability, time management, and teamwork.

Being an international student has also allowed me to grow in independence and confidence, which  I believe are essential in today’s global business environment. Overall, Mississippi College has  given me both the academic knowledge and real-life experience that I need to take the next steps  toward my future career. 

For international students considering studying in the United States, my biggest advice is to be open  to new experiences and not be afraid of challenges. Moving to a different country can feel  overwhelming at first, and it’s completely normal to miss home or feel out of place in the  beginning. However, those moments are also where the most growth happens. 

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Try new things, get involved on campus, and take  advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Whether it’s joining a team, getting a campus  job, or simply meeting new people, those experiences will shape your journey in ways you don’t  expect. 

Another important lesson I’ve learned is to stay resilient. Not everything will go as planned, and  that’s okay. In my case, injuries completely changed my path, but they also opened new doors and  helped me discover strengths I didn’t know I had. 

Most importantly, trust the process and believe in yourself. Studying abroad is not just about  earning a degree—it’s about growing as a person, becoming more independent, and discovering  what you are capable of achieving.