A new chapter

Embarking on her college journey feels so big, so transformative, so life-changing, Maame Agyeman can only compare it to one thing: moving across the world. At age 12, thanks to career opportunities awaiting her engineer father, she left her childhood home in the African country of Ghana for a fresh start in Middletown, Delaware.

"This moment feels similar," said Agyeman, who will begin her first year as an undergraduate student at the University of Delaware on August 27. "I'm excited and nervous. It's bittersweet, closing one chapter and launching another."

It's also high-stakes: Agyeman is the first member of her family to attend a U.S. university.

"Anytime I talk with loved ones back in Ghana, they reiterate how happy they are," she said. "They tell me: 'Make us proud'."

For members of UD's Class of 2028, these emotions-joy, anxiety, pride-are running high just before the start of the Fall semester. And the newest Blue Hens are channeling that energy into preparations: buying supplies, reviewing course requirements and, in the case of at least one incoming freshman, sunning on a boat.

"The highlight of my summer was a cruise through Bermuda with friends," said Jeremy Mogaka from Bear, Delaware. "Once it starts, I know the work won't quit, so I'm trying to take a rest while I can."

The incoming biology major has devoted time to researching potential careers on TikTok (the new class will tell you: The platform is useful for more than funny skits or dance videos). Mogaka is leaning towards a career in the anesthesiology field, and he's hopeful one of UD's robust internship programs will help him get there.

"I do feel a little overwhelmed," he said. "This experience won't be like high school where teachers remind you to submit assignments. But overall I'm feeling good. I put my trust in God, because I know he's got a plan for me."

Zaw Htoo, incoming neuroscience major, is feeling slightly anxious about forging connections-as a commuter student coming from Middletown, he won't be living in a residence hall with a built-in social network. But the former mathlete and track star (he completes a mile in under five minutes) plans to meet friends by exploring extracurriculars-UD offers more than 300 registered student groups-and connecting with the campus running community.

"Delaware has a cozy feel," he said. "It's a tight-knit place where everyone seems interconnected."

Htoo's drive to make the most of his time on campus stems from his status as a first-generation student. When his parents moved to the U.S. from Burma (now Myanmar) in Southeast Asia, they did so partly so their son would have greater educational opportunities, and living out that dream "is very cool," he said. "It feels important and empowering."

As the first week of the semester approaches, Htoo is holding onto advice his parents gave him for making a big transition: "Remember that you're not alone, and everything is going to work out okay as long as you do your best and have hope."

Hope, along with the complete box set of Twilight Zone DVDs. That's what's on the packing list of Ariana Fonda, an incoming biochemistry major who rewatches the series "about once a month." With house plants and some favorite records in tow (Amy Winehouse, J. Cole, Lana Del Rey), she's ready for her "first step into the adult world."

The true-crime fan aspires to a career in forensics, and whenever pre-semester jitters get the best of her, she focuses on that big-picture goal.

"I truly want to help the families of crime victims," she said. "I chose UD because it's the place that will help me make a difference in the world."

As for Agyeman, the student from Ghana, she's looking ahead to a career as a reconstructive surgeon. But in the meantime, she plans on handling her move to campus just a little differently than her move to the U.S. all those years ago.

Back then, Agyeman said, culture shock mixed with garden-variety middle school bullying caused her to retreat into her shell. She spent an entire academic year trying to keep her head down and blend in. Eventually, she learned that it's far easier-and more fulfilling-to be her authentic, outgoing self. She hasn't looked back since, and that's the energy she plans on bringing to Newark come fall.

"I promise," she said while packing Ghana-inspired dorm decor and her signature graphic tee-shirts. "People will love you for you."