91·çÁ÷

WHY WEBER STATE

During my senior year of high school in Sweden, I knew I wanted to study in the U.S., so I could continue developing both academically and athletically. In Sweden, it's much harder to combine university studies with competitive sports, so studying abroad felt like the best path to keep pursuing my goals as a runner while starting my degree.

One of the main reasons I chose Weber State was the Track & Field/XC program and Coach Pilkington, who has since retired. He played a huge role in helping me transition smoothly from the other side of the world and supported my growth as an athlete. After arriving, I also realized how many other benefits Weber State offers—the campus is perfectly located, and coming from a coastal city without mountains, I've absolutely loved the scenery here. I've also appreciated the smaller class sizes, which I believe have helped me succeed academically.

WHY BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Coming from Sweden and knowing that I plan to return home after graduation, I felt that some majors would be less practical for my future goals. Business, however, has always interested me—I even took business-focused classes in high school. Since many business programs in Sweden also use English-language course literature, choosing Business felt like a smart and flexible option, no matter where I end up working in the future.

I chose Business Administration specifically because it’s broad and provides a strong foundation in many different areas. I've really enjoyed gaining knowledge across multiple aspects of business, especially since I'm still exploring what career path I want to pursue.

ACADEMIC GROWTH

Moving across the world to attend Weber State has taught me so much, and I've grown in many ways—both personally and as a student-athlete. I've developed academically and athletically, and I truly feel that choosing Weber State has been one of the best decisions I've made.

What stands out the most are the people I've met and the experiences I've had. Through athletics, I've had the opportunity to travel and see many different states in the U.S. Both school and sports have introduced me to so many wonderful people, including my best friend. We've motivated each other to work hard, study hard, and stay focused on our goals.

The support I've felt from professors, classmates, teammates, and the athletic staff has meant so much—especially being far from home and away from my family. The caring and welcoming environment at Weber State truly made it feel like a second home.

PROFESSOR IMPACT

I feel that every professor I've had during my time at Weber State has made some kind of impact on me. They have all been helpful and understanding of what it means to be both an international student and a student-athlete. Adjusting to studying in English and occasionally missing class for competitions could have been challenging, but their support made a huge difference.

One of my first business classes was Accounting 2010 with Professor Hansen. At that time, everything felt overwhelming—the language, a new country, and new routines—but he made the subject understandable and helped ease my transition into university life here.

I also really enjoyed Management 4400 with Professor Thompson. Even though it was one of the more challenging classes I've taken, it was also one of the most meaningful. His course taught me not only about management but also about myself and about understanding other people. He emphasized how little we truly know about what others are going through and the importance of not judging too quickly. That perspective stayed with me, and the lessons from his class are ones I will carry into both my professional career and my personal life.

WHAT'S NEXT

I will be staying at Weber State for another year and a half to finish my athletic eligibility. During that time, I'll continue my studies by adding a second major in MIS and a minor in Marketing. After graduating, I plan to return home to Sweden and begin my career there.

I love traveling, so I hope to find a job that allows me to see more of the world while continuing to grow both personally and professionally. I'm excited to see where the future takes me.

ADVICE FOR OTHER STUDENTS

I would say that you truly get out what you put in. The time and effort you invest will always pay off in some way. Nothing you do is ever wasted—even if you don't receive the grade you hoped for or if you fail at something, you still learned and grew from the work you put in.

This mindset has helped me not only academically, but also in my personal life and athletics. If you stay consistent, stay patient, and keep showing up, the results will come.